President William Ruto has convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council at State House Nairobi following a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) chopper crash.
This was confirmed by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed through a statement on X. Mohamed, however, did not share elaborate details regarding the crash.
"President William Ruto has convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council at State House Nairobi this evening following a Kenya Defence Forces’ helicopter crash this afternoon in Elgeyo-Marakwet County," Mohamed stated.
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Addressing Kenyans after the meeting, Ruto said the chopper was ferrying Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla and 11 other gallant military personnel; nine (9) who also passed on with him and two survivors when it crashed shortly after taking off from the village of Chesegon on Thursday afternoon.
Ruto mourned the Chief of Defence, saying it was sad for him, the Defence Forces fraternity, and the country. He also announced three days of mourning from Friday and directed that all official flags fly at half-mast.
"This is a moment of great sadness for myself, as the Commander in Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, the Kenya Defence Forces fraternity and the nation at large. Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant generals, gallant officers, service men and women.
"In honour of the life and the distinguished military career of the fallen general, who lost his life not just while in office, but in active military duty, the nation will observe 3 days of mourning commencing on Friday, April 19, 2024," Ruto said.
The Head of State additionally lauded Ogolla for his immense contribution towards the Kenyan military saying he was a distinguished and respected soldier. Ruto also condoled with the families of the other departed soldiers.
"The demise of General Ogolla is a painful loss to me, and certainly, the sorrow we all feel about his passing is shared by all the people of Kenya, and especially the KDF fraternity. A distinguished four-star general has fallen in the course of duty, and service to country.
"I convey my deepest condolences to all families who are grieving this untimely loss and our mourning nation. May the Almighty Lord rest their souls in peace and grant their families fortitude at this time of deep sorrow. I also wish a quick recovery to the two injured soldiers in this accident," he added.
