Kenya Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Francis Ogolla, has died after a Kenya Defence Force (KDF) helicopter crashed in Sindar, Elgeyo-Marakwet County.
President William Ruto has confirmed the development in a televised address.
“Today at 2:20 pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident in Elgeyo Marakwet. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing on of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces,” said Ruto on Thursday evening.
He added: “Together with him in the crash were 11 other gallant military personnel, 9 who also passed on with him and 2 survivors.”
According to Ruto, the CDF had left Nairobi Thursday morning to visit troops deployed in the North Rift under Operation Maliza Uhalifu and to also inspect the ongoing school renovation works.
He departed Chesegon for the recruits’ training school in Uasin Gishu County where he was scheduled to inspect construction facilities at the institution.
“Unfortunately, the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff. This is a moment of great sadness for me as the Commander In Chief of the KDF. It is a tragic moment for the KDF fraternity and it is an unfortunate day for the nation at large. Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant generals, we have also lost gallant officers, service men and women. The demise of General Ogolla is a painful loss to me and certainly, the sorrow we all feel about this passing on is shared by all Kenyans and most especially the KDF fraternity.”
The KDF helicopter crashed and caught fire in the Sindar area on the border of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
Elgeyo Marakwet County Commandant Peter Mulinge told Nation.Africa that the ill-fated aircraft was among three choppers which were leaving Cheptulel area.
It was the first to take off before crash-landing minutes later. According to the county police boss, KDF has cordoned off the scene of the crash.
The eight people onboard had taken off from Cheptulel Boys Secondary School in Sigor Constituency, West Pokot County, where KDF is reconstructing schools affected by banditry.
The reconstruction effort follows President William Ruto’s order to the military last week to rebuild schools affected by banditry in Chesegon area.
While commissioning the Cemtech clinker plant in Sebit, West Pokot, on Monday last week, President Ruto had indicated that KDF would be on the ground in two days’ time to ensure schools in Chesegon that were vandalised by bandits are reconstructed and reopened the next term.