Kenya’s defense chief and nine other senior military officers died in a helicopter crash in a remote area of the country on Thursday, President William Ruto confirmed.
“At 2:20 pm, our nation experienced a tragic air accident. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of General Francis Omondi Ogolla,” Ruto said during a press briefing.
Following news of the accident, Ruto convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council. He announced that nine other military personnel on board the helicopter also died in the crash, while two survived.
The Kenya Air Force has sent an investigation team to determine the cause of the crash, which occurred in Elgeyo Marakwet county, about 400 kilometers (250 miles) northwest of Nairobi.
The helicopter went down shortly after taking off from Chesegon, where Ogolla and his entourage had been visiting a school, Ruto said.
“A distinguished four-star general has fallen while on duty and serving the country,” he remarked. “Our nation has lost one of its most valiant generals, gallant officers, and service members.”
Ruto announced three days of national mourning starting on Friday, with flags to fly at half-mast.
Ogolla, 61, had departed Nairobi on Thursday morning in an Air Force Huey helicopter to visit troops deployed in the North Rift area for Operation Maliza Uhalifu (Operation End Crime in Swalihi) and other sites.
The Rift Valley region has faced long-standing security challenges, including armed banditry and cattle rustling.
“The helicopter burst into flames upon crashing, carrying more than 10 senior commanders, including General Ogolla,” a police officer earlier told AFP.
Ogolla became Chief of the Defense Forces in April last year, following his role as deputy. Despite his connection to those who attempted to overturn Ruto’s election win against opposition leader Raila Odinga in 2022, Ruto appointed him, citing Ogolla’s qualifications.
Ogolla, a trained fighter pilot, joined the Kenya Defense Forces in April 1984 and commanded the Kenyan Air Force from 2018 to 2021.
