Francis Ogolla: Martha Karua, US Ambassador Meg Whitman Lead In Mourning Chief Of Defence Forces

• Francis Ogolla's death has baffled many, even as Kenyan leaders and international diplomats have paid their tributes
• The Chief of Defence Forces general and nine others died on April 18 in a helicopter crash that happened in the western part of the country
• Among the leaders included US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula and Martha Karua

Kenyan leaders and diplomats have flocked to social media to mourn the late Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Omondi Ogolla, who died in a helicopter crash.

President William Ruto confirmed the death of the general, mourning him as a gallant leader and a huge loss to the country.

How leaders have mourned General Francis Ogolla

Politicians and ambassadors in Kenya have shared their deepest condolences to those who have died in the crash.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang'ula, noted General Ogolla's unwavering commitment to duty and the rich legacy he left behind.

"May the bereaved find solace in knowing that he died while steadfastly serving his country with honour and defending the cause of peace. His unwavering commitment to duty remains unparalleled, leaving behind a legacy of distinguished service to the nation," he said.

The First Lady, Rachel Ruto, also sent her condolences to the family of the late general, captain and the men in uniform who passed on.

She wrote:

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the demise of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). Our prayers and thoughts are with his wife, Aieleen Ogolla, and the family during this difficult time. We also remember the other families affected by this unfortunate accident and pray that God comforts and strengthens them."

The United States US ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, remembered her time working with Ogolla while paying her tribute.

"I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Chief of Defense Forces General Ogolla and to all the families of the victims of this terrible crash. I had the honour of working with General Ogolla and had great respect for his integrity and dedication to the Kenyan people. He was a great friend of the United States and helped advance the U.S.-Kenya partnership," she wrote.

The opposition leaders also paid tribute to the fallen leader while recalling how diligent and calm General Ogolla was.

Martha Karua was among the leaders who shared her tribute on X as she wished peace and comfort to the bereaved families.

"My condolences to the family and friends of the General Ogolla CDF of @kdfinfo and to the families and friends of all the fallen @kdfinfo officers, our prayers and sympathies with the families and entire @kdf fraternity."

What you need to know about General Francis Ogolla's death

• Statehouse spokesperson Hussein Mohammed stated President Ruto had convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council at Statehouse, Nairobi, after news of the helicopter crash emerged.
• General Ogolla's daughter, Lorna Omondi, went public and mourned her father while noting the impact he had on her life.
• Kenyans also trooped to various social media platforms to register concern after learning that Ogolla was involved in a plane crash.

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Kenyan leaders and diplomats have paid tribute to General Francis Ogolla.

Francis Ogolla: Martha Karua, US Ambassador Meg Whitman Lead in

Uhuru, Raila, Ambassador Whitman mourn Francis Ogolla | Nation