Faith Nyasuguta
Kenya’s government has dispatched a team to investigate a helicopter crash that tragically claimed the life of military chief Gen Francis Ogolla (pictured)and nine others. The incident occurred in the country’s northwest shortly after takeoff, with Gen Ogolla among the 12 occupants.
Following the crash, the deceased were flown to Nairobi, while two survivors received medical attention. President William Ruto declared three days of national mourning, describing the loss as a “moment of great sadness.”
Gen Ogolla, who was appointed Chief of Defence Forces in April last year, is remembered as a dedicated officer who served his country with valor.
However, his tenure was not without controversy, as he was previously accused by the country’s electoral commission chairperson of being part of a delegation that allegedly tried to influence the outcome of the 2022 general election against President Ruto.
Despite the allegations, Ruto affirmed that he believed Gen Ogolla was the most qualified for the position and supported his appointment.
Gen Ogolla had a distinguished military career spanning 40 years and was a graduate of several prestigious institutions, including Âcole Militaire de Paris, the National Defence College of Kenya, Egerton University, and the University of Nairobi.
He is survived by his wife Aileen, two children, and a grandson. The crash also claimed the lives of other high-ranking military personnel, including Brig Swale Saidi and Col Duncan Keittany, among others.
The African Union Commission has extended its condolences to Kenya, noting that the officers were on a mission to address banditry in the North Rift region at the time of the tragic incident.
This helicopter crash tragically echoes a similar event in June 2021, where 10 soldiers lost their lives in a helicopter crash near Nairobi.
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