The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) is mourning the demise of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), General Francis Omondi Ogolla, with nine (09) others in a helicopter crash.
“On behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Muhoozi Kainerugaba and the entire Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) fraternity, we wish to register our heartfelt condolences to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the bereaved families and the entire Kenyan nation upon the demise of these gallant officers,” said Defence spokesperson, Brig Gen Felix Kulayigye, in a statement.
He added: “In the demise of General Ogolla, Kenya and indeed the entire East African Community (EAC) have lost an accomplished General. Our hearts are with the bereaved families. May the souls of the departed Rest in Peace.”
General Ogolla died on Thursday afternoon after a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) helicopter crashed in Sindar, Elgeyo-Marakwet County.
President William Ruto said in a live address to the nation from State House, Nairobi that together with General Ogolla in the crash were 11 other military personnel, nine who also passed on while two survived.
The other officers who died in the crash are Brigadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu, Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.
President Ruto also announced three days of national mourning, beginning Friday, April 19, in honour of General Ogolla and nine others who perished in the crash, according to The EastAfrican.