President William Ruto officially confirmed the death of Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla Thursday night.
The President said Ogolla passed away alongside nine other military officials in a tragic air accident at Sindar area, Kaben location, Tot division, in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
He said the accident occurred at 2.20 pm.
"I'm deeply saddened to announce the passing on of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces," Ruto said during his address to the nation at State House, Nairobi.
The President said two military officers survived the accident and are receiving treatment in Nairobi.
The nine officers who perished alongside General Ogolla are Brig Swaleh Saidi, Col Duncan Keitany, Lt Col David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu (who was also the pilot), Capt Sorah Mohamed, Capt Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinywa Mureithi, Sergent Cliffonce Omondi and Sergent Rose Nyawira.
Ruto announced a three-day national mourning period starting Friday, April 19, 2024 in honour of the fallen General.
Ruto said during the period, the Kenyan flag and that of the Kenya Defence Forces, the East African Community and flags of all formations of the military shall fly at half mast in Kenya and Kenyan missions abroad.
"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 a period of three days of mourning commencing tomorrow the 19th of April, 2024," the President said in a televised address to the nation at State House, Nairobi.
Ruto said Ogolla and his entourage had left Nairobi Thursday morning to visit troops deployed in the North Rift under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, and to inspect ongoing school renovations works.
The schools are Chesitet Primary School, Cheptulel Boys High School, Chepoton Primary School, Ksaa Primary School; and Sablimoi Primary School.
He said in the final moments of the working tour, Ogolla and his entourage left Kainuk for Chesegon in West Pokot County where he launched the rehabilitation of Cheptulel Boys High School.
"He then departed Chesegon for the Recruits Training School in Uasin Gishu County, where he was scheduled to inspect construction facilities at the institution. Unfortunately, the aircraft crashed shortly after take-off," the President said.
Ruto said that following the crash, Kenya Air Force constituted and dispatched an air investigations team to establish the cause of the air crash.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Tanzania President Samia Suluhu and Azimio leader Raila Odinga among other leaders condoled with the families of the bereaved and the country.
Uhuru said Ogolla's leadership, bravery and unwavering commitment to duty have made a lasting impact on the country's armed forces and the nation as a whole.
"The CDF was not only an accomplished military leader but also a devoted patriot who dedicated his life to serving and protecting our beloved country," the retired president said.
President Suluhu on her part said, "I have received with great sadness the news of the death of the Chief of Defense Forces of the Republic of Kenya, General Francis Omondi Ogolla, and nine other soldiers in a helicopter accident that happened today in Elgeyo-Marakwet County.
"I send my condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenyan Defense Forces Williams Ruto, all Kenyans, families, relatives, and friends of all those who lost their relatives in the accident. A lot of pollen.
"May God rest the souls of our brothers in heaven. Amen."
Raila said he was deeply saddened by the passing of the General.
"A terrible day for Kenya: My wife Ida and I are deeply saddened and profoundly shocked by the passing of General. Francis Ogolla, the Chief of Defence Forces. We join the nation in mourning his loss."
Raila termed General Ogolla as a true patriot, a highly decorated soldier, and a consummate professional who served his country with unwavering dedication.
"Our hearts go out to his family, his colleagues in the KDF and the entire nation as we grieve this immense loss."