Kenya military chief, Francis Omenda Ogola, tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash on Thursday. Along with him, nine other individuals on board the helicopter also perished. President William Ruto of Kenya addressed the incident in a televised speech, declaring a national mourning period for the next three days starting from Friday.
According to CNN’s report, Ruto stated in his address that General Francis Ogola and nine other members of the military lost their lives in the helicopter accident. Two individuals survived the tragedy. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon.
President Ruto further stated, “As Commander-in-Chief, this is a time of sorrow for me and the entire Kenya Defence Forces. Today is the most unfortunate day for the nation. We have lost one of our bravest generals.”
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Kenya Military Chief Dies in Helicopter Crash Shortly After Takeoff
The helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff. According to Ruto, Military Chief Ogola had departed from Nairobi in the afternoon to meet soldiers in the northern Rift Valley region and inspect school rehabilitation work. However, the helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff.
A team of investigators has been sent to the scene to determine the cause of the accident. The bodies of the deceased were also brought to Nairobi late Thursday night.
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Who was Military Chief Francis Ogola?
According to the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), Francis Ogola, aged 61, is the first military chief in the country to pass away while in service. He enlisted in the Kenya Defense Forces in 1984 and attained the rank of second lieutenant in 1985, serving initially in the Kenya Air Force.
In 2023, President William Ruto promoted Omondi Ogola to the rank of general and appointed him as the Chief of Defense Force. Prior to this, he served as the Vice Chief of Defense Force.