Nairobi (Agencies): General Francis Ogolla, Kenya’s military chief, along with nine others, perished in a helicopter crash in the country’s northwest region. The incident occurred on Thursday in Elgeyo Marakwet County, roughly 400km (250 miles) northwest of Nairobi, the capital.
The helicopter, part of the military fleet, was on a mission to visit troops in northwest Kenya dealing with cattle rustling. It crashed shortly after takeoff near Cheptulel Boys Secondary School in West Pokot County. The cause of the crash is yet to be determined.
President William Ruto expressed his grief at a news conference, stating, “Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant generals. The demise of General Ogolla is a painful loss to me.”
Two soldiers who survived the crash are currently hospitalized. An air investigation team has been dispatched to ascertain the cause of the incident.
General Ogolla had an illustrious career in the military. He served as the head of the Kenyan air force and was later promoted to deputy military chief. Last year, President Ruto elevated him to the position of military chief. Ogolla joined the military in 1984 and trained as a fighter pilot with the United States air force and as an instructor pilot at the Kenyan air force.
Despite allegations of involvement in a plot to overturn the 2022 presidential election results, Ogolla was promoted by Ruto, who asserted that he was the most qualified individual for the position.