President William Ruto has announced three days of national mourning following the tragic demise of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Francis Ogolla and nine other Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel in a devastating plane crash.
In a televised address to the Nation on Thursday, President Ruto confirmed the heartbreaking news and expressed profound sorrow over the loss. As a mark of respect, he ordered the lowering of national, regional, and regimental flags to half-mast from Friday onwards.
Describing Gen Ogolla’s passing as a personal and painful loss, President Ruto honored the memory of the fallen CDF and the accompanying officers. Among them were Brig Swaleh Said, Col Duncan Keitan, Lt Col David Sawe, Maj George Magondu (Pilot), Capt Sorah Mohamed, Capt Hillary Butali, Snr Sgt John Kinyua, Sgt Cliffonce Omondi, and Sgt Rose Nyawira.
Reflecting on the magnitude of the tragedy, President Ruto expressed deep sorrow as the Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces. He acknowledged the profound impact of the loss on the nation and praised the courage and dedication of the fallen officers.
The ten officers were aboard a Huey Helicopter operated by the Kenya Air Force when the accident occurred, President Ruto confirmed. He further disclosed that two officers survived the crash, adding a glimmer of hope amidst the overwhelming grief.
