10 Talking Points About The Kenya Military Helicopter That Crash And Killed Defence Chief, Senior Officers
Date and location of the crash: The military helicopter, carrying the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla, crashed on April 18, 2024, in a remote area near the border with Uganda. The crash occurred in Elgeyo Marakwet county, about 400 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, Kenya.
Number of casualties: The crash resulted in the death of General Francis Ogolla and nine other senior military officers. Two individuals survived the crash.
Cause of the crash: The cause of the crash is under investigation. The Kenya Air Force has dispatched an air investigation team to determine the cause.
Military personnel involved: The helicopter was carrying a total of 11 military personnel, including the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces and other senior officers.
Mission of the helicopter: The helicopter was on a security mission in the North Rift area of Kenya. General Ogolla and the other officers were visiting troops deployed in the region to combat banditry as part of Operation Maliza Uhalifu (Operation End Crime in Swalihi).
President William Ruto’s response: In a televised address, President William Ruto announced the death of General Francis Ogolla and declared three days of national mourning. He also convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council following the accident.
General Francis Ogolla’s background: General Francis Omondi Ogolla was a highly decorated military officer who had served in the Kenya Defence Forces for 40 years. He was appointed as the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces in April 2023.
Political controversy: Before his appointment as Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, General Ogolla faced political controversy when he was accused by the country’s electoral commission chairperson of trying to influence the outcome of the 2022 general election against President Ruto.
Public and international reactions: The tragic crash has elicited reactions of shock and condolences from the Kenyan public and international figures.
Previous helicopter crashes in Kenya: This incident marks the second time in three years that a helicopter crash has killed 10 military officers in Kenya.
