In a devastating turn of events, Kenya’s military chief, General Francis Omondi Ogolla, and nine other distinguished military personnel lost their lives in a tragic helicopter crash. The somber announcement was made by Kenya’s President William Ruto, who expressed deep sorrow at the untimely passing of the country’s top military leader.
The ill-fated helicopter, carrying a total of eleven military personnel, including General Ogolla, crashed in Kenya’s Rift Valley, specifically in Elgeyo Marakwet county, located about 400 kilometers (250 miles) northwest of the capital city, Nairobi. Local media reported that the helicopter burst into flames upon impact, adding to the severity of the tragedy.
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General Francis Ogolla, a revered four-star general, was born on February 12, 1962, as per reports from the Kenyan press. His distinguished career culminated in his appointment as the chief of Kenya’s Defence Forces on April 28, 2023. Beyond his professional accomplishments, General Ogolla leaves behind a legacy of leadership and service, survived by his wife and two children.
In the wake of this heart-wrenching incident, the Kenyan government has declared a three-day period of national mourning, starting from Friday, April 19th, to honor the memory of the victims. The nation stands united in grief, mourning the loss of esteemed military personnel who made invaluable contributions to Kenya’s security and defense.
As investigations into the cause of the crash unfold, the nation mourns the loss of General Ogolla and his fellow servicemen, paying tribute to their unwavering dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to safeguarding Kenya’s sovereignty and protecting its citizens.
