The Kenyan government is dispatching a team to investigate a helicopter crash that tragically claimed the lives of military chief Gen Francis Ogolla and nine other individuals.
The fatal incident occurred shortly after takeoff in the country’s northwest, with Gen Ogolla among the 12 occupants onboard.
The deceased were transported to Nairobi, while two survivors are receiving medical attention. President William Ruto has declared three days of national mourning, describing the loss as a “moment of great sadness.”
Gen Ogolla, who assumed the role of Chief of Defence Forces in April of last year, is remembered as a dedicated officer who served his country with valor.
Among the victims of the crash are high-ranking military personnel, including Brig Swale Saidi, Col Duncan Keittany, and several others.
The African Union Commission has extended condolences to Kenya, recognizing that the officers were on a mission to address banditry in the North Rift region.
This tragic incident evokes memories of a similar occurrence in June 2021 when 10 soldiers lost their lives in a helicopter crash near Nairobi.