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Monday November 18, 2024

Kenya’s military chief among 10 people killed in helicopter crash

By Reuters
April 19, 2024
President Ruto is seen with the chief of the Kenya Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla in this photo on 28 February. — AFP
President Ruto is seen with the chief of the Kenya Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla in this photo on 28 February. — AFP 

NAIROBI: Kenya’s military chief, General Francis Ogolla, was among 10 people killed when their military helicopter crashed shortly after take-off on Thursday, President William Ruto announced.

The aircraft, which had been on a visit to troops deployed in northwest Kenya to combat endemic cattle-rustling, came down just minutes after leaving Cheptulel Boys Secondary School in West Pokot County, Ruto said.

Two soldiers survived the crash and were in hospital, he said, adding that an air investigation team had been sent to discover the cause.

“Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant generals,” Ruto told a news conference. “The demise of General Ogolla is a painful loss to me... A distinguished four-star general has fallen in the course of duty, and service to country.”