Kenya Military Helicopter Crash. President William Ruto convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council following the distressing news of a military helicopter crash. In the remote region of Kenya, the Defense Chief and nine other high-ranking officials tragically lost their lives.
Ruto conveyed his deep sorrow, announcing the passing of General Francis Omondi Ogolla and acknowledging the sacrifice of the “gallant military personnel” aboard, with two survivors. The Kenya Air Force has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the crash, which occurred in Elgeyo Marakwet county, approximately 400 kilometers northwest of Nairobi. The helicopter crashed shortly after departing from Chesegon, where Ruto and his delegation were visiting a school.
Ruto paid tribute to General Ogolla’s dedicated service and declared three days of national mourning, starting Friday, with flags to be flown at half-mast. General Ogolla, aged 61, had embarked on a mission to visit troops deployed in the North Rift region as part of Operation Maliza Uhalifu (Operation End Crime in Swahili), and other strategic locations.
For years, Kenyan authorities have been grappling with insecurity in the Rift Valley region, facing challenges from armed bandits and rampant cattle rustlers.
According to a police officer who spoke to AFP, the helicopter, carrying more than 10 senior commanders, including General Ogolla, crashed and burst into flames. The officers were conducting a security mission in the area due to the presence of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers deployed in the region.
