Kenya Mourns the Loss of Military Chief in Helicopter Crash

In a tragic incident, Kenya's military chief, General Francis Omondi Ogolla, has lost his life along with nine other military personnel in a helicopter crash. President William Ruto announced the devastating news in a televised address on Thursday. The helicopter went down shortly after take-off in the western part of the country. Two survivors were found among the wreckage.

President Ruto expressed deep sorrow at the passing of General Ogolla and extended his condolences to the families of the victims. The president revealed that General Ogolla was on his way to visit troops in the North Rift region and to inspect ongoing school renovations. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen the military's presence and support in the area.

Following the crash, President Ruto convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council to address the situation. A team of investigators has been dispatched to the crash site in Elgeyo Marakwet County in order to determine the cause of the accident.

General Francis Omondi Ogolla, who joined the Kenya Defence Forces in 1984, was an esteemed member of the military fraternity. He served as the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces and was highly regarded for his dedication and bravery. His untimely demise marks a significant loss for the nation. President Ruto expressed his grief, stating that the entire country mourns the loss of one of its most valiant generals. The president also extended his sympathies to the other officers, servicemen, and women who lost their lives in the crash.

In honor of General Ogolla and the fallen military personnel, Kenya will observe three days of mourning starting from Friday. The nation stands united in paying tribute to these brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice.

General Ogolla's passing is particularly poignant as he becomes the first Kenyan military chief to die in active service, according to the state broadcaster Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC). His decades-long commitment to the Kenya Defence Forces and his invaluable contributions will be remembered with utmost reverence.

As details of the tragic incident continue to emerge, this breaking news story will be updated.