President William Ruto on April 18, announced the tragic death of Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla, revealing that Ogolla passed awa...
President William Ruto on April 18, announced the tragic death of Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla, revealing that Ogolla passed away in a helicopter crash along with nine other military officials in Marakwet East.
In a televised address from State House, Nairobi, President Ruto detailed the events leading up to the fatal crash. He stated, “General Ogolla had embarked on a trip to visit troops deployed in the North Rift under Operation Maliza Uhalifu and to inspect school renovation works in five schools.”
President Ruto explained that Ogolla’s itinerary included the inspection of several schools, including Chesitet Primary School, Cheptulel Boys High School, Chepoton Primary School, Ksaa Primary School, and Sablimoi Primary School as part of his working tour.
“After being briefed on the security situation by a multi-agency team in Baringo County,” President Ruto continued, “General Ogolla proceeded to the Kainuk Forward Operating Base in Turkana County, where he addressed troops and praised their resilience and operational successes.”
From Kainuk, Ogolla and his entourage departed for Chesegon in West Pokot County, where he launched the rehabilitation of Cheptulel Boys High School. Subsequently, they headed to the Recruits Training School in Uasin Gishu County, where Ogolla was scheduled to inspect construction facilities.
Tragically, the President revealed, “the aircraft crashed shortly after take-off at 2:20 pm.”
The aircraft promptly burst into flames, killing General Ogolla and 9 others. Two people, one who is photographer survived.
General Francis Ogolla, who had assumed office on April 29, 2023, became the shortest-serving Chief of General Staff, taking over from retired General Robert Kibochi.
Following the crash, the President stated, “the Kenya Air Force dispatched an air investigations team to determine the cause of the accident.” President Ruto expressed deep sorrow over Ogolla’s death, describing it as the loss of a valiant general who fell in the line of duty.
“The demise of General Ogolla is mourned not only by myself but also by the entire Kenya Defence Forces fraternity and the nation as a whole,” President Ruto concluded.
By Vivian K.
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