By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
Kenya was plunged into mourning following the tragic death of Chief of Defense Forces General Francis Ogolla.
President William Ruto on Thursday night confirmed Gen Ogolla’s death in a televised event.
The CDF was with 10 other military officers, among them several high ranking ones in the ill-fated chopper.
President Ruto said the head of the military was in a tour of the volatile North Rift region during the tragic accident.
The head of state said General Francis Ogolla died together with 8 other military officers who were on the helicopter.
Only two survived and have since been flown to Nairobi where they are receiving treatment.
In his address, the President who is also the Commander in Chief of the Kenya Defense Forces revealed the Identity of the officers that were in the crashed helicopter.
They include Brig Swaleh Saidi, Col Duncan Keitany, Lt Col David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu (who was also the pilot), Capt Sorah Mohamed, Capt Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinywa Mureithi, Sergent Cliffonce Omondi and Sergent Rose Nyawira.
The President has since announced a three-day national mourning period.
“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 three days of mourning commencing tomorrow the 19th of April, 2024,” Ruto said.
The helicopter crashed at Chesogon area in Marakwet East moments after taking off.
It was headed for the Recruits Training School in Eldoret.
Earlier, General Francis Ogolla had visited KDF soldiers involved in the Operation Maliza Uhalifu North stationed in Turkana and West Pokot.
He also inspected renovations of schools that were to be reopened after restoration of peace in the area.