President William Ruto solemnly announced on Thursday, April 2024, the tragic demise of Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla, in a harrowing military helicopter accident. Delivering the State of the Nation address from State House in Nairobi, the Head of State disclosed that the aircraft, carrying 11 passengers, had met with disaster.
“In a somber moment at 2:20 pm today, our nation faced a heartbreaking air tragedy in the Sindar area of Keben, Elgeyo Marakwet county. It is with deep sorrow that I convey the passing of General Francis Omondi Ogolla,” conveyed Ruto.
Ruto eulogized the late General, hailing him as an exemplary four-star officer deeply devoted to his duty. General Ogolla, aboard the Kenya Air Force Huey Helicopter, had embarked from Nairobi earlier that day for a visit to troops stationed in the North Rift under Operation Maliza Uhalifu and to oversee construction projects in five schools.
After addressing troops at the Kainuk Forward Operating Base in Turkana County, where he lauded their steadfastness and operational achievements, Ogolla proceeded to the Recruits Training School in Uasin Gishu County. Tragically, the helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff from Chesegon.
“In this moment of profound grief, as the Commander in Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, the loss of General Ogolla deeply saddens me, and the sorrow resonates across the entirety of Kenya, particularly within the KDF community,” expressed Ruto.
Ruto revealed the immediate establishment of an investigative team to uncover the cause of the accident. He also decreed a three-day national mourning period, commencing Friday, April 19, during which the national and military flags, as well as the East African flag, would fly at half-mast.
The announcement followed President Ruto’s convening of a National Security Council meeting at State House in Nairobi, attended by top government officials, including Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and Interior CS Kithure Kindiki.
Also present at the closed-door session were Attorney General Justin Muturi, Defence CS Aden Dwale, National Intelligence Service Director Noordin Haji, Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, and National Security Advisor Monica Juma.
It’s noteworthy that on April 28, 2023, President William Ruto elevated Francis Ogolla from a Lieutenant to the position of Chief of the Defence Forces, succeeding Robert Kibochi, who retired after 44 years of distinguished service.
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