In a solemn ceremony at Nairobi’s Ulinzi Sports Complex, Kenya honored its late army chief, General Francis Omondi Ogolla, who tragically perished in a helicopter crash along with nine other senior military officials.
President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and opposition leader Raila Odinga joined the nation in paying respects to General Ogolla, whose coffin, draped in the Kenyan flag, was brought in amidst somber reverence.
General Ogolla, a distinguished military leader, lost his life at the age of 62 when the helicopter he was aboard crashed shortly after takeoff in the remote Sindar forested area. He was on a mission to oversee security operations in the North Rift region.
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President Ruto hailed General Ogolla as an exemplary patriot and leader, expressing pride in having appointed him to head the armed forces.
The tragic incident, the fifth involving a Kenyan military helicopter in the past year, has raised concerns about the condition of the fleet. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash.
General Ogolla’s family announced funeral arrangements, with a service planned in Nairobi following a ceremony in his hometown of Siaya. The late army chief leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service, having served in various capacities within the Kenya Defence Forces for nearly four decades.
The loss of General Ogolla has reverberated not only within Kenya but also elicited condolences from the international community, reflecting the profound impact of his contributions to his country and beyond.
