Kenya's military chief, senior officers killed in helicopter crash

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
18 Apr 2024 21:27

Kenyan President William Ruto said the helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff from Chesegon, where Ogolla and his entourage had been visiting a school.

Chief of Kenya Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla (C) gestures as Britain's King Charles III (unseen) and Kenyan President William Ruto (unseen) arrive at the tomb of the Unknown Warrior during a wreath-laying ceremony at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on October 31, 2023. (Photo by TONY KARUMBA / AFP)

Kenya's military chief General Francis Omondi Ogolla and nine other senior officers died on Thursday in a military helicopter crash in a remote area of the country, President William Ruto announced.

"Today at 2:20 pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident... I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of General Francis Omondi Ogolla," Ruto told reporters.

The president, who had convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council after news of the accident emerged, said nine other "gallant military personnel" on board were also killed while two survived.

He said the Kenya Air Force has dispatched an air investigation team to establish the cause of the crash, which took place in Elgeyo Marakwet county, about 400 kilometers (250 miles) northwest of the capital Nairobi.

The helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff from Chesegon, where he and his entourage had been visiting a school, Ruto said.

"A distinguished four-star general has fallen in the course of duty and in the service of the country," he confirmed.

The president announced three days of mourning from Friday, with official flags flying at half mast.

Ogolla formerly served as the head of the Kenyan Air Force. He later advanced to the position of deputy military chief and was promoted by Ruto last year to lead the military.

Ruto told journalists last May that he appointed Ogolla despite him being among those who tried to overturn his narrow election win against opposition leader Raila Odinga in 2022.