Kenya’s government has dispatched a team to investigate the helicopter crash that claimed the life of military chief Gen Francis Ogolla and nine others.
The cause of the crash remains unknown.
Gen Ogolla was among 12 occupants onboard the military aircraft, which crashed on Thursday afternoon shortly after takeoff in the northwest of the country.
The bodies of the deceased have been transported to Nairobi, while the two survivors receive medical treatment in the hospital.
The four-star general will be laid to rest on Sunday at his home in western Siaya county, according to his family.
President William Ruto announced three days of national mourning, describing the deaths as a “moment of great sadness” for the country.
Gen Ogolla, appointed Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces in April last year, was hailed by Mr Ruto as a courageous officer who sacrificed his life in service.
“Our nation has lost one of its bravest generals, esteemed officers, and dedicated service men and women,” Mr Ruto expressed to the nation.
Gen Ogolla began his military career on April 24, 1984, as a 2nd lieutenant in the air force, where he underwent fighter pilot training with the US air force. He also received training in imagery intelligence, counter-terrorism, and accident investigation.
In 2018, he assumed command of the air force.
President Ruto revealed in an interview last May that he appointed Gen Ogolla as army chief despite opposition. He noted that Gen Ogolla was part of a group that sought to influence the 2022 presidential election results.
This marks the first time a Kenyan military chief has passed away while in office. Gen Ogolla was scheduled to retire next year.
The other nine individuals killed in the crash were identified as Brig Swale Saidi, Col Duncan Keittany, Lt Col David Sawe, Maj George Benson Magondu, Capt Sora Mohamed, Capt Hillary Litali, Snr Sgt John Kinyua Mureithi, Sgt Cliphonce Omondi, and Sgt Rose Nyawira.
Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga described the incident as a “terrible day for Kenya”.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, chair of the African Union Commission, extended condolences to Kenya’s president, government, and people following the “tragic helicopter accident”.
The officers had journeyed to Kenya’s North Rift region, afflicted by banditry, on a mission to reopen schools closed due to bandit attacks. They had also visited military officers deployed to stabilize the region.
In June 2021, at least 10 soldiers lost their lives in a helicopter crash during landing near the capital, Nairobi.
