Kenya mourns loss of military chief and personnel in helicopter crash

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Kenya mourns loss of military chief and personnel in helicopter crash

NAIROBI (HORN OBSERVER) - Kenya's military is in mourning following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of its highest-ranking officer, General Francis Omondi Ogolla, and nine other military personnel.

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PHOTO: Chief of Kenya Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla (C) gestures as Britain's King Charles III (unseen) and Kenyan President William Ruto (unseen) arrive at the tomb of the Unknown Warrior during a wreath laying ceremony at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on October 31, 2023.

NAIROBI (HORN OBSERVER) - Kenya's military is in mourning following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of its highest-ranking officer, General Francis Omondi Ogolla, and nine other military personnel.

President William Ruto confirmed the incident, expressing deep sadness and calling it a loss for the entire nation.

The crash occurred in Elgeyo Marakwet county, west of Nairobi, shortly after takeoff, with only two survivors among the 12 onboard. President Ruto has initiated an urgent investigation into the cause of the crash, with the Kenyan air force deploying a team for this purpose.

General Ogolla, who had been appointed as military chief just last year, was hailed by President Ruto as a brave officer who had dedicated his life to serving the country.

Kenya observes a three-day mourning period, starting on Friday, with flags to be flown at half-mast.

Among the victims were other high-ranking officers, including Brigadier Swale Saidi and Colonel Duncan Keittany, as well as several other distinguished servicemen and women.

The survivors are currently in critical condition and receiving medical treatment.

The helicopter was on a mission to address security challenges in the North Rift region, which has been plagued by banditry, and had visited military personnel stationed there.

This tragic incident is a reminder of the risks faced by those in military service.

The African Union Commission, through its chair Moussa Faki Mahamat, has extended condolences to the Kenyan government and its people.

This is not the first such incident in Kenya, as in June 2021, a helicopter crash near Nairobi claimed the lives of at least 10 soldiers.