CDF Francis Ogolla Killed In KDF Chopper Crash- Ruto Confirms

Earlier reports indicated that he was among those who were on board a chopper which went down at the Kaben-Cheptulel border between Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Apr 18, 2024 - 19:09 Updated: Apr 18, 2024 - 20:30
0
CDF Francis Ogolla Killed In KDF Chopper Crash- Ruto Confirms
File image of Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Francis Omondi Ogolla. /KDF

Francis Omondi Ogolla, who is Kenya's Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), is dead.

President William Ruto, who was speaking at State House Nairobi on Thursday, April 18, confirmed the demise of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) boss, mourning him as a dedicated individual.

"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 motherland 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," he addressed.

Photo of President William Ruto and Chief of Defence Forces, Francis Ogolla. /PCS

Earlier reports indicated that he was among those who were on board a chopper which went down at the Kaben-Cheptulel border between Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties.

President Ruto as a result summoned the National Security Council (NSC) for an urgent meeting at State House in Nairobi.

It is worth noting that General Ogolla is also a member of the NSC, which is further composed of President Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale as well as his Interior counterpart Kithure Kindiki.

Others are Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, Attorney General Justin Muturi, National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji, Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, and National Security Advisor Monica Juma.

A post on LinkedIn and Facebook believed to be from her daughter, Lorna Omondi, all but confirmed Ogolla's demise as reports spread like wildfire on social media before his death was announced by the President.

"Empathetic and effective leader and statesman just went down in chopper crash in West Pokot. Doing what he did best for the better part of the last 40 years - trying to keep Kenya Safe.

"One day I shall tell beautiful stories of how he taught with his actions and not with his words. But today - I rush home to send him off to the great beyond," wrote Lorna. 

The helicopter was earlier reported to have carried top Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) commanders before it went up in flames after it crashed in the area. It was taking off from Cheptulel Boys Secondary School.

The team had left a meeting that had been convened to discuss the security situation in the West Pokot region where several top leaders were present. 

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura cautioned Kenyans against speculating on the chopper crash.

"Dear fellow Kenyans. An official communication concerning the Military Aircraft crash shall be issued soon. Let’s stay calm and avoid any speculation whatsoever at this critical juncture," he wrote.

Ogolla Appointment

On April 28, 2023, President William Ruto promoted Francis Ogolla to KDF Chief of the Defence Forces from a Lieutenant position.

Ogolla took over the new position from Robert Kibochi who retired after service at the capacity for 44 years.

The then Vice Chief of the Defence forces, Lt Francis Omondi Ogolla, before the Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee at Continental House in Nairobi on November 7, 2022, regarding the deployment of the KDF to the DRC. /DAILY NATION

Tags: