President Ruto declares 3 days of mourning General Francis Ogolla

President William Ruto has declared three days of mourning in honour of the late Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla who perished in a chopper crash on April 18, 2024.

Speaking during a media briefing at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto noted that it was a tragic moment for the country to lose gallant service men and women.

“In honour of the life and the distinguished military career of the fallen general, who lost his life not just while in office, but in active military duty, the nation will observe a period of 3 days of mourning commencing tomorrow 19th April 2024.

“During this time of national mourning, the Kenyan flag, the Kenya Defence Forces Flag, and the Eastern Africa community flag shall fly at half-mast in the Republic of Kenya and Kenya missions abroad,” said President Ruto.

He added that the kenya Air Force has send a team of specialists to investigate the cause of the plane crash.

Other military personnel who perished in the chopper crash are:

1. Brigadier Swale Saidi,

2. Colonel Duncan Keittany,

3. Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe,

4. Major George Benson Magondu,

5. Captain Sora Mohamed,

6. Captain Hillary Litali,

7. Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi,

8. Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and

9. Sergeant Rose Nyawira.

President William Ruto while announcing the death of General Francis Ogolla at State House, Nairobi on April 18, 2024. Photo/ TV47

The CDF, onboard the Kenya Air Force Huey Helicopter, had left Nairobi, to visit troops deployed in the North Rift under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, and to inspect the ongoing school renovations works in the region.

As part of his working tour, the CDF had been briefed on the security situation by a multi-agency team stationed at Chesitet in Baringo County, after which he proceeded to the Kainuk Forward Operating Base in Turkana County, where he addressed troops, commending them for their resilience and operational successes.

The CDF and his entourage departed from Kainuk to Chesegon, West Pokot County, where he launched the rehabilitation of Cheptulel Boys High School.

He then 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 take-off. This is a moment of great sadness for myself, as the Commander in Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, the Kenya Defence Forces fraternity and the nation at large.

“Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant generals, gallant officers, service men and women,” said the President.