President Ruto Confirms CDF Ogolla’s Death, Lists 8 Soldiers Who Died During the Crash.
President Ruto Confirms CDF Ogolla’s Death: Commander in chief of Kenyan Army, has issued an Official statement confirming the death of Chief of Defense Forces, General Francis Ogolla.
He stated,”Today at 2:20pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident in Elgeyo Marakwet. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing on of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces. Together with him in the crash were 11 other gallant military personnel, 9 who also passed on with him and 2 survivors.”
He therefore declared three days of national mourning with the Kenyan flag, East African Flag and that of the military would flying at half-mast beginning Friday, April 19.
President Ruto detailed that The Chief of Defence Forces had left Nairobi this morning to visit troops deployed in the North Rift under the operation Maliza Uhalifu and to also inspect the ongoing school renovation works.
He afterwards 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 takeoff.
President Ruto stated,” This is a moment of great sadness for me as the Commander In Chief of the KDF. It is a tragic moment for the KDF fraternity and it is an unfortunate day for the nation at large. Our mother land has lost one of her most valiant generals, we have also lost gallant officers, service men and women. The demise of General Ogolla is a painful loss to me and certainly the sorrow we all feel about this passing on is shared by all Kenyans and most especially the KDF fraternity.”
Those who died during the crash include;
1. CDF Ogolla
2. Brgd Said
3. Col. Keitany
4. Capt. Sora
5. Sgt. Omondi
6. Capt. Litali
7. Sgt. Nyawira
8. Col. Sawe
President Ruto stated,”A distinguished 4 star general has fallen in the cost of duty and in the service of country. I convey my deepest condolences to all families that are grieving this untimely loss and our mourning nation as well. May the Almighty God rest their souls in peace and grant their families fortitude at this time of very deep sorrow. I wish quick recovery to the 2 injured soldiers in this accident who are now in hospital.”