Francis Ogolla: Kenya's Chief of Defence Forces Confirmed Dead Following Chopper Crash
- Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla perished in an aircraft crash on the afternoon of Thursday, April 18
- His death was confirmed by President William Ruto who convened a special meeting with the country's top security organs following the accident
- The tragedy came a year into Ogolla's tenure at the helms of the armed forces, having officially taken over from General Robert Kibochi in April 2023
Nairobi - Kenya's Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Francis Ogolla has died in a chopper crash.
Source: Facebook
President William Ruto confirmed in a televised address to the state on the evening of Thursday, April 18.
Ogolla was onboard a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) plane that crashed in Keben on the border of the Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokoto counties.
In his company were nine other ranking military officials who also died in the crash, Reuters reported.
The officials who died alongside Ogolla are 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 ill-fated Kenya Air Force Huey Helicopter was ferrying its occupants to the bandit-stricken north rift region on a working visit.
They were visiting troops deployed in the region under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, besides their inspection of the renovation works in a host of schools there.
"Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant generals, gallant officers, service men and women. 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," mourned Ruto.
In honour of Ogolla, the president proclaimed that the nation would observe a period of three days of mourning commencing tomorrow Friday, April 19.
In the course of the national mourning, the Kenyan, the KDF and the Eastern African Community (EAC) flags would be hoisted at half-mast, both in the country and the Kenyan missions abroad.
Kenya Cancels Visa Requirement for Nigerians
Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Kenya has waived the entry requirements for Nigerians visiting the country.
The President of Kenya stated that the decision aims to enhance trade and strengthen relationships between African states.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
Nkem Ikeke (Copy editor) Nkem Ikeke is currently a copy editor who also writes for the politics and current affairs desk on weekends. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (2010), and has over 10 years of work experience in the media industry (Reporter, News Agency of Nigeria). Email: n.ikeke@corp.legit.ng
Ibrahim Sofiyullaha (Editorial Assistant) Ibrahim Sofiyullaha is a graduate of First Technical University, Ibadan. He was the founder and pioneer Editor-in-Chief of a fast-rising campus journalism outfit at his university. Ibrahim is a coauthor of the book Julie, or Sylvia, written in collaboration with two prominent Western authors. He was ranked as the 9th best young writer in Africa by the International Sports Press Association. Ibrahim has contributed insightful articles for major platforms, including Sportskeeda in the UK and Motherly in the United States. Email: ibrahim.sofiyullaha@corp.legit.ng
