President William Ruto has announced three days of national mourning following the tragic loss 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 deep 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.
President Ruto described Gen Ogolla’s passing as a “painful loss” and listed the names of the nine officers who were accompanying him: 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.
He expressed profound sadness as the Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces and emphasized the tragic impact of the loss on the nation as a whole.
According to President Ruto, the ten officers were aboard a Huey Helicopter operated by the Kenya Air Force when the tragic accident occurred. He also mentioned that two officers survived the crash.
The entire nation mourns the loss of these brave individuals, and their sacrifices will be remembered with honor and respect.
