Kenyan army chief Francis Omondi Ogolla and 9 soldiers die in helicopter crash
The head of the Kenyan army, Francis Omondi Ogollaand nine other military officials were killed Thursday in a helicopter crash in the west of the country, the president announced William Ruto.
“Today at 2:20 p.m., our nation experienced a tragic air accident in the Sindar region (…) in Elgeyo Marakwet County. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, Chief of the Kenya Defense Forces”declared the Kenyan head of state after a meeting of the Security Council that he had called urgently.
“With him, during the accident, were eleven other valiant soldiers, nine who also died with him and two survivors”he added.
The accident took place as they were leaving to inspect construction work at a recruit training center in neighboring Uasin Gishu County.
“Unfortunately, the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff”said William Ruto.
The Air Force dispatched a team of investigators to establish the causes of the accident.
Aged 61, Francis Omondi Ogolla was appointed head of the armed forces on April 29, 2023, by President William Ruto.
Having attended the Paris Military School and the National Defense College of Kenya, he began his career in April 1984 in the air force, according to the website of the Kenyan Ministry of Defense.
Then he served as Commander of the Air Force from 2018 to 2021. The Chief of the Armed Forces was married, the father of two children and the grandfather of a grandchild.
Aged 61, Francis Omondi Ogolla was appointed head of the armed forces on April 29, 2023. AFP – LUIS TATO
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