Half-Mast Flag, 3-day Mourning to Honour General Ogolla

While delivering his condolence speech, President Ruto declared that the national flag shall be flown half-mast for three days as a tribute to the fallen military general.

Apr 19, 2024 - 12:41
Apr 19, 2024 - 12:47
 0  103
Half-Mast Flag, 3-day Mourning to Honour General Ogolla
The Late Chief of Defense Forces, General Francis Omondi Ogolla

By PENDO SETIM

President William Ruto announces 3-day national mourning period to honour departed Chief of Defense Forces, General Francis Omondi Ogolla.

 General Ogolla lost his life in a tragic air accident which occurred at Sindar area, Kaben location, Tot division in Elgeyo Marakwet County on 18th April, at approximately 2:20 pm.

Tragically, General Ogolla and 11 other military personnel were on board the Kenya Airforce Ewee Helicopter, resulting in the loss of nine lives. Two individuals survived the crash. 

While delivering his condolence speech, President Ruto declared that the national flag shall be flown half-mast for three days as a tribute to the fallen military general.

“The nation will observe a period of three days of mourning commencing on 19th April 2024" President said.

"During this time of National mourning, the Kenyan flag, the KDF flag, the EAC flag and flags of all formation of the military shall fly at half-mast in the Republic of Kenya and in Kenya missions abroad,” he said.

President Ruto said Ogolla was not only a dedicated military officer but also a distinguished four-star general.

He expressed his deep sorrow and described the loss as painful for himself, the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) fraternity, and the entire nation. 

"The demise of General Ogolla is a painful loss to me, and certainly, the sorrow we all feel about his passing is shared by all the people of Kenya, and especially the KDF fraternity" He said.

The fallen general died in the course of duty and service to country, the head of State added.

President Ruto offered his condolences to the families affected by this untimely loss and extended his wishes for a speedy recovery to the two injured soldiers currently receiving treatment in the hospital. 

He also stated that the Kenya Airforce has dispatched an air investigation team to determine the cause of the fatal crash.

“I convey my condolences to all the families grieving this untimely loss. May God rest their souls in peace.

I also wish quick recovery to the 2 injured soldiers who are now in hospital,” he said General Ogolla had been on a working tour, visiting troops deployed in the North Rift under Operation Maliza Uhalifu.

Additionally, he had planned to inspect the renovation work at several schools, including Chesitet Primary School, Cheptulel High School, Cheboton Primary School, Saab Primary School, and Saplimoi Primary School.

The Chief of Defense Forces had received security briefings and addressed the troops, commending their resilience and success.

The general, who was appointed Chief of Defense Forces in April 2023, had succeeded General Robert Kibochi.

Throughout his career, he held various positions and earned several qualifications, including graduating from École Militaire de Paris and the National Defense College of Kenya.

He also obtained a Diploma in International Studies and Military Science from Egerton University, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Armed Conflict and Peace Studies (First Class Honors), and a Master of Arts in International Studies from the University of Nairobi.

As Chief of Defense Forces, General Ogolla served as the highest-ranking military officer in the Kenya Defense Forces and acted as the principal military adviser to the President of Kenya and the National Security Council.

He led and coordinated the efforts of the Service Commanders, which included the CDF, the Commanders of the Kenya Army and Air Force, the Kenya Navy, and the Commandant of Military Intelligence.

General Ogolla is survived by his wife, Aileenn Ogolla, two children, and a grandson. 

He was known for his passion for reading and playing golf, among other hobbies.

What's Your Reaction?

like

dislike

love

funny

angry

sad

wow