Kenyan Press Confirm Ogolla’s Death
As this publication reported earlier today, a helicopter carrying the Kenyan Chief of Defense, General Ogolla was reported to have crashed with eight other souls onboard a Kenya military helicopter in Cheptulel, West Pokot, Kenya. Footage of the Kenyan Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma taking off was recorded less than an hour from the crash at around 0845 EST. The government has now confirmed that General Ogolla has been killed.
The Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla is dead.
Ogolla died after a chopper he was travelling in alongside other officials crashed in Kaben, Marakwet East on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/y57mWhM42p
— TheStarKenya (@TheStarKenya) April 18, 2024
Government Silence
Only one person, an official photographer is said to have survived the crash, as of this publication, no further information on the survivor is available.
Kenyan President Ruto has convened a meeting of the National Security Council over the event but has not issued an official statement or press conference. He is due to address the Kenyan people momentarily. Kenya social media has been sounding off on the prolonged government silence for more than three hours.
President William Ruto to Address the nation Shortly after reports of the demise of CDF Ogolla in a Plane crash in West POKOT.
— EDGAR ?? (@edgarwabwire_) April 18, 2024
National Security Council meeting is over. President William Ruto to address the nation imminently to confirm the tragic death of General Francis Omondi Ogolla. pic.twitter.com/duwkMFHCkk
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) April 18, 2024
A military delegation delivered the news of the general’s death to the president earlier this morning. A Kenyan government spokesperson has told the public not to speculate before an official announcement is made, however, that was at 0946 EST.
Dear fellow Kenyans. An official communication concerning the Military Aircraft Crush shall be issued soon.
Let’s avoid any speculation whatsoever at this critical juncture.
Regards
Isaac Mwaura
Government Spokesman— Spokesperson GoK (@SpokespersonGoK) April 18, 2024
The late Chief of Defense was reportedly supposed to visit the United States in May with President Ruto. It is not currently clear how his death will impact that delegation plans.
