British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) has issued condolences to the departed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla.
In a statement on Friday, April 19, 2024, BATUK expressed sincere condolence to the entire republic, describing Ogolla as a gallant military personnel.
"We offer our deepest condolences to @kdfinfo & the entire Republic of #Kenya following the untimely death of General Francis Ogolla, Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces & 9 other gallant military personnel, following a tragic helicopter crash in #ElgeyoMarakwet #Kenya," BATUK said in a statement.
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We offer our deepest condolences to @kdfinfo & the entire Republic of #Kenya following the untimely death of General Francis Ogolla, Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces & 9 other gallant military personnel, following a tragic helicopter crash in #ElgeyoMarakwet #Kenya.#CDFOgolla pic.twitter.com/KomGKTjznr— BATUK (@BATUKOfficial) April 19, 2024
The British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) is a permanent training support unit based mainly in Nanyuki, Laikipia County.
BATUK provides demanding training to exercising units preparing to deploy on operations or assume high-readiness tasks. [sic]
Djibouti President
The President of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guelleh also mourned General Francis Ogolla in a statement on Friday, April 19, 2024.
Guelleh consoled his Kenyan counterpart President William Ruto and the people of Kenya, asking the Almighty to grant the country strength to overcome the grief and also shied the nation from such tragedies.
"I extend my deepest condolences to President Ruto and the people of Kenya on the tragic loss of Gen. Ogolla and valiant officers in the helicopter crash. Kenya has our solidarity in this immense grief. I pray the Almighty to grant fortitude and shield Kenya from such tragedies," Djibouti's President said.
I extend my deepest condolences to President Ruto and the people of Kenya on the tragic loss of Gen. Ogolla and valiant officers in the helicopter crash. Kenya has our solidarity in this immense grief. I pray the Almighty to grant fortitude and shield Kenya from such tragedies.— Ismail Omar Guelleh (@IsmailOguelleh) April 19, 2024
KNCHR
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) also issued a statement mourning the deaths of General Francis Ogolla and other soldiers who died in the helicopter crash on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
"General Francis Omondi Ogolla and his senior Military Officers were on a crucial mission to promote peace in the volatile larger North Rift region of Kenya.
"Their dedication to this mission, even at the cost of their lives, reflects their unwavering commitment to the well-being of the region and its people. The Commission hopes that their sacrifice will serve as a catalyst for lasting peace in the region, a peace that General Ogolla and his officers envisioned and
strived for.
"May their legacy inspire continued efforts towards peacebuilding and reconciliation, ensuring that their sacrifice was not in vain," KNCHR said in a statement.
General Francis Omondi #Ogolla and his senior Military Officers were on a crucial mission to promote peace in the volatile larger North Rift region of Kenya. Their dedication to this mission, even at the cost of their lives, reflects their unwavering commitment...
1/3 pic.twitter.com/lgxLAf9KHy— KNCHR (@HakiKNCHR) April 19, 2024
Burial
General Francis Ogolla will be laid to rest at his home in Mor, Alego Usonga, Siaya County on Sunday, April 21, 2024.
His family confirmed the latest saying that Ogolla had indicated in his will that he should be buried within 72 hours when he died. The burial ceremony will be preceded by a heartfelt service at his local church in Nduru.
A memorial service will be held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang'ata on Friday, April 26, 2024.
