Francis Ogolla: Chief of Defence Forces Dies in Helicopter Crash

President William Ruto has confirmed the death of General Francis Ogolla.

Ogolla died after a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) helicopter crashed at the Kaben-Cheptulel border between Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties.

Ruto in a statement at State House shared his sadness on the passing of the General and other KDF officers in the crash.

“I’m deeply saddened to announce the passing on of Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla,” he said.

Ruto also named other officers who died in the crash, they 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 president announced three days of national mourning, beginning Friday, April 19, in honour of General Ogolla and nine others who perished in the crash.

Flags will fly at half-mast in respect for the departed officers.

“The demise of General Ogolla is a painful loss to me, and certainly, the sorrow we all feel about his passing is shared by all the people of Kenya, and especially the KDF fraternity. A distinguished four-star general has fallen in the course of duty, and service to country,” Ruto said.

Investigations on the crash have begun with the Kenya Air Force team sent to the crash site.

WoK earlier reported on General Ogolla’s life and achievements as a fighter pilot to his rise as KDF boss.