William Ruto Mourns General Ogolla: "It's A Painful Loss To Me"

• President William Ruto mourned the loss of the nine officers who served the nation, praying for solace for their families
• Ruto said the ill-fated plane had 12 KDF officers on board; 10 died on the spot including General Francis Ogolla and two survived the crash
• He disclosed that the late general and the other soldiers were to inspect ongoing school renovation works at Cheptulel Boys High, Chebotony, Sar, Saplimoi, Chesitet Primary Schools

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Chief of Defence, Francis Omondi Ogolla, passed away following an aircraft crash in Kaben, Elgeyo Marakwet county.

The tragic incident happened on Thursday, April 18 when the helicopter crashed and burst into flames.

President William Ruto confirmed the demise of 10 KDF officers, stating that only two soldiers survived the crash.

How did William Ruto mourn Francis Ogolla?

The head of state has led Kenyans in paying an emotional tribute to the fallen general and eight other military officers.

"This is a very sad moment for me as the commander-in-chief of Kenya's defence forces. It is a tragic moment for the KDF fraternity and it is the most unfortunate day for the nation at large.

Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant general, we have also lost gallant officers, servicemen and women. The demise of General Ogolla is a painful loss to me and certainly the sorrow we all feel about his passing on is shared by all the people of Kenya and especially the KDF fraternity.

In a heartbroken tone, Ruto mourned the loss of the officers who served the nation, praying for solace for their families.

He also asked God to speed up the recovery of the two injured soldiers taken to the hospital for immediate care.

Who were the 10 soldiers involved in the crash?

According to Ruto, the nine gallant soldiers included; Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla, Brigadier Swaleh Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keitany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu (the pilot), Captain Sora Mohammed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliffons Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.

Ruto revealed that the late Ogolla had left Nairobi to visit troops deployed in the North Rift under the operation "Maliza Uhalifu" and to inspect ongoing school renovation works at Cheptulel Boys High, Chebotony, Sar, Saplimoi, Chesitet Primary Schools.

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

• Francis Ogolla's daughter has paid an emotional tribute following the loss of her dad
• Prior to the confirmation of their demise, Kenyans were heartbroken and shared messages of good luck
• Photos of Ogolla and his wife serving in the church have emerged
• He was promoted to Chief of Defence in 2023 by President William Ruto

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General Francis Ogolla (left frame) died in a plane crash. William Ruto (right frame) paid emotional tribute to him.

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William Ruto Mourns General Ogolla: "It's a Painful Loss to Me" - Tuko