By Dan Barasa
Kenya’s military has been struck with the tragic loss of Gen Francis Omondi Ogolla, the country’s highest-ranking military officer, following a helicopter crash in Elgeyo Marakwet county.
The incident occurred shortly after takeoff, claiming the lives of Gen Ogolla and 10 other military personnel. Only two survivors were reported.
President William Ruto, in a statement, expressed deep sadness over the loss, calling it a “moment of great sadness” for the country. He convened an urgent security council meeting, and an air investigation team has been dispatched to determine the cause of the crash.
The mission the officers were on involved efforts to reopen schools that had been closed due to banditry and to visit military personnel deployed to stabilize the region.
This incident follows a similar tragedy in June 2021 when a helicopter crash killed at least 10 soldiers near Nairobi.
More to follow