By eastafrican gazette
Kenya
General Francis Ogolla, the head of Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) is dead, the President William Ruto of the Republic of Kenya has officially announced this.
Today, April 18, 2024, at approximately 8:10 a.m., in a nationally broadcast speech from State House in Nairobi, Kenya, Ruto hesitantly acknowledged that the country’s chief of defense forces, along with other military officers, had died in Marakwet East in a deadly chopper accident that occurred at approximately 2:20 p.m.
![](https://eastafricangazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kenyan-CDF-2.jpg)
He emphasized that only two military officers survived the tragic accident and are being treated.
Others who died, include Brig. Saidi Swale, Col. Duncan Keittany, Lt Col. David Sawe, Maj. George Benson Magondu, Capt. Hillary Litali, Capt. Muhamed Sora, S/Sgt. John Kinyua Mureithi, Sgt. Cliphonce Omondi, and Sgt. Rose Nyawira.
“’m deeply saddened to announce the passing on of Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla,” he said.
Ruto announced a three day of national mourning beginning April 19, 2024 for the fallen soldiers.
He said all flags will be flying at half-mast.