Editor's Review

President Ruto revealed that nine people died in the chopper crash while two people survived. 

President William Ruto on Thursday, April 19, announced the death of KDF general Francis Ogolla who was killed in a helicopter crash in Elgeyo Marakwet County.   

"Today at 2; 20 pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident at Sindar area, Kaben location, Tot division, in Elgeyo Marakwet County. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces," Ruto stated.  

The President disclosed that there were other eleven military personnel who were on the chopper with the late Chief of Defense Forces Ogolla.  

The Head of State revealed that nine people died in the chopper crash while two people survived. 

Here is the list of nine officers who died;

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1. Brigadier Swale Saidi,

2. Colonel Duncan Keittany 

3. Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe 

4. Major George Benson Magondu 

5. Captain Sora Mohamed 

6. Captain Hillary Litali 

7. Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi 

8. Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi 

9. Sergeant Rose Nyawira.


File Image of the late KDF General Francis Ogolla. 

The President said that the late Ogolla, onboard the Kenya Air Force Huey Helicopter, had left Nairobi on Thursday morning to visit troops deployed in the North Rift under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, and to inspect the ongoing school renovations works in schools. 

"As part of his working tour, the CDF had been briefed on the security situation by a multi-agency team stationed at Chesitet in Baringo County, after which he proceeded to the Kainuk Forward Operating Base in Turkana County, where he addressed troops, commending them for their resilience and operational successes.

"The CDF and his entourage departed from Kainuk to Chesegon, West Pokot County, where he launched the rehabilitation of Cheptulel Boys High School. He then 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 take-off," remarked Ruto.

In honour of the life and the distinguished military career of the fallen general, who lost his life not just while in office, but in active military duty, the nation will observe a period of 3 days of mourning commencing tomorrow 19th April 2024.  

During this time of national mourning, the Kenyan flag, the Kenya Defence Forces Flag, and the Eastern Africa community flag shall be flown at half-mast in the Republic of Kenya and Kenya missions abroad.