In a devastating incident, General Francis Omondi Ogolla, Kenya's defense chief, and nine other high-ranking military officials lost their lives in a helicopter crash on Thursday. President William Ruto confirmed the tragic accident, expressing deep sadness over the loss.

President Ruto addressed reporters, stating that the nation suffered a grievous air accident at approximately 2:20 pm. He announced the passing of General Ogolla, a distinguished four-star general who had served the country with valor. Alongside him, nine other gallant military personnel were also killed, while two officers miraculously survived, including the pilot.

The President immediately convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council to address the situation. He revealed that the Kenya Air Force promptly deployed an air investigation team to establish the cause of the crash, which occurred in Elgeyo Marakwet county, about 250 miles northwest of Nairobi, shortly after takeoff from Chesegon. The General and his entourage were visiting a school in the area.

General Ogolla, aged 61, had departed Nairobi on a Huey helicopter that morning to tour troops deployed in the North Rift area as part of Operation Maliza Uhalifu (Operation End Crime in Swahili) and other sites. The region, particularly the Rift Valley, has long battled with insecurity due to the presence of armed bandits and cattle rustlers.

Eyewitnesses reported that the helicopter burst into flames upon crashing, with more than ten senior commanders on board, including General Ogolla. The officers were in the region on a security mission to support the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers deployed in the area.

President Ruto declared three days of national mourning starting from Friday, during which official flags will be flown at half-mast. He conveyed his condolences to the families of the fallen military personnel and hailed General Ogolla for his dedicated service to the country.

General Ogolla, a trained fighter pilot, had an illustrious career in the Kenyan military, joining the KDF in April 1984. He progressively rose through the ranks and assumed command of the Kenyan Air Force in 2018, holding the position for three years. Despite initial opposition from many quarters, President Ruto appointed General Ogolla as Chief of the Defence Forces in April last year.

General Ogolla leaves behind his wife Aileen, two children, and a grandson, who mourn the loss of a respected and dedicated military leader. This tragic incident marks the second time in three years that Kenya has witnessed a helicopter crash claiming the lives of ten military officers. In June 2021, ten soldiers were killed when their helicopter crashed while landing near Nairobi, the capital city.

As the investigation into the cause of the crash commences, the entire nation stands united in grief, paying tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.