Kenyan Defense Chief and 9 Senior Officers Perish in Helicopter Crash
President William Ruto delivered somber news on Thursday, April 18, revealing that Kenya’s defense chief, General Francis Omondi Ogolla, and nine other high-ranking officers lost their lives in a military helicopter crash in a remote part of the country.
Addressing reporters, Ruto expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident, which occurred at approximately 2:20 pm. He described General Ogolla and the fallen officers as “gallant military personnel” and announced that two individuals had survived the crash. Urgently convening the National Security Council, Ruto declared three days of national mourning, starting from the following day, with official flags flying at half-mast.
The crash took place in Elgeyo Marakwet county, around 400 kilometers (250 miles) northwest of Nairobi, shortly after the helicopter departed from Chesegon. General Ogolla and his team were visiting a school in the area as part of their official duties.
In response to the tragedy, the Kenya Air Force dispatched an investigative team to determine the cause of the crash. The helicopter, a Huey aircraft, had been carrying out a security mission in the North Rift area as part of Operation Maliza Uhalifu (Operation End Crime in Swahili), among other duties.
The loss of General Ogolla, aged 61, was deeply felt, with Ruto emphasizing his dedication to duty and service to the nation. The crash site, engulfed in flames after the incident, bore witness to the tragedy that claimed the lives of more than ten senior commanders, including General Ogolla. Their mission in the region was in support of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers deployed there.
The nation mourns the loss of these brave individuals, whose sacrifice in the line of duty will be remembered and honored.
Kenyan Defense Chief and 9 Senior Officers Perish in Helicopter Crash
