Kenya’s top military leader, General Francis Omondi Ogolla, tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash in the western part of the country, as confirmed by the president. The helicopter, carrying Ogolla and 11 other military personnel, crashed shortly after takeoff, with only two survivors.
Earlier, Gen. Ogolla had convened an urgent security council meeting, showcasing his dedication to national security. The crash occurred at 14:20 local time, prompting the Kenyan air force to dispatch an investigative team to determine the cause.
The incident took place in Elgeyo Marakwet county, approximately 400km northwest of Nairobi. Gen. Ogolla, who assumed his role in April of the previous year after serving as the air force commander and deputy chief of defense forces, was hailed by Deputy President Ruto as a courageous officer who fell while serving his duty.
Deputy President Ruto expressed the nation’s grief, describing Gen. Ogolla as one of its bravest generals. Kenya will observe a three-day mourning period, starting on Friday, with flags lowered to half-mast.
Gen. Ogolla’s military career spanned nearly four decades, beginning in 1984 when he joined the Kenya Defence Forces as a 2nd lieutenant in the air force. He underwent training as a fighter pilot in the United States before ascending to the role of air force commander in 2018.
Among the nine other military personnel who lost their lives in the crash were Brigadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu, Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.
The two survivors are currently in critical condition and receiving medical treatment. The officers had been on a mission to Kenya’s North Rift region, aiming to reopen schools closed due to bandit attacks and to support efforts to stabilize the area.
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