Kenya:Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla Dies in Helicopter Crash

By Samuel Ouma

Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDC), Major General Francis Ogolla, is dead, aged 61.

Ogolla died in a chopper crash at the Sindar area in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Rift Valley, on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

"Today, at 2:20pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident in Sindar area, Keben location, Tot division, in Elgeyo Marakwet County. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing on of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces," announced President William Ruto.

The ill-fated helicopter was carrying 11 other military officers, nine of whom died in the crash alongside CDF Ogolla, leaving only two alive.

Brigadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu (Pilot), Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira are also deceased.

Ruto mourned Ogolla as a brave and patriotic military officer who served the country with honour.

"This is a moment of great sadness for myself, as the Commander in Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, the Kenya Defence Forces fraternity and the nation at large. Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant generals, gallant officers, service men and woman," said Ruto.

Addressing the press in Nairobi, Ruto declared a 3-day mourning for the fallen hero.

Subsequently, he ordered that all flags in Kenya fly at half mast during the three days.