The president of Kenya, William Ruto and his processor Raila Odinga have mourned the fallen Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla. Gen. Ogolla died yesterday after a military helicopter crashed.
In a brief meeting, Ruto described Gen Ogolla as a gallant officer who died in the line of duty.
Gen Ogolla was appointed by Ruto in April last year, after serving as the Commander of the Air Force and Deputy Chief of Defence Forces.
“Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant generals, gallant officers, service men and women,” Ruto mourned.
Ruto noted that Kenya will observe a three-day period of mourning, commencing on Friday 19 April. The flags in the Republic of Kenya and in Kenyan missions abroad will fly at half-mast.
Raila Odinga said that he was deeply saddened and profoundly shocked by the passing of General. Francis Ogolla, the Chief of Defence Forces.
“We join the nation in mourning his loss. Gen. Ogolla was a true patriot, a highly decorated soldier, and a consummate professional who served our country with unwavering dedication. Our hearts go out to his family, his colleagues in the KDF, and the entire nation as we grieve this immense loss.” Odinga said.
He added, “We also extend our very heartfelt condolences to the families of the KDF team who were accompanying Gen. Ogolla. We know that at this moment words will not be enough to console your tremendous grief. We pray the Lord may give you comfort. May the souls of all those who have departed find eternal peace.”
Gen Ogolla first joined the Kenya Defence Forces on 24 April 1984, according to the Kenyan defence ministry’s website.
He began his career as a 2nd Lt in the country’s air force, where he trained as a fighter pilot with the US Air Force, the ministry says. In 2018, he became Commander of the Kenya Air Force – a role which he held until becoming the country’s military chief.
Gen. Francis Omondi Ogolla, died alongside 9 other military personnel following a tragic air accident in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The two people that survived are in a critical condition and under intense treatment.
