General Francis Ogolla died on Thursday, April 18 following a chopper crash in Sindar area along the West Pokot-Elgeyo Marakwet border.
The Chief of Defence Forces died alongside other military officials following their visit to the area that has been marred with insecurity in recent years.
Ogolla was in West Pokot for a peacekeeping mission following President William Ruto's orders on the deployment of KDF to the area.
President William Ruto who confirmed the demise of Ogolla at 8:13 PM, revealed that the CDF also visited other troops who were engaged in security operations.
"Today, at 2:20 pm our nation suffered a tragic accident in Sindar area. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing on of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Ogolla.
"The CDF, on board the Kenya Airforce had left Nairobi this morning to visit troops deployed in the North Rift and to also inspect the ongoing renovation in schools," Ruto announced.
Tuesday, April 16 2024
Prior to the Thursday accident, Ogolla was last seen engaging in a military event on Tuesday, April 16.
This was when he participated in the Defence Forces Physical Readiness Test (DFPRT) at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Langata.
According to KDF, this is an annual exercise that aims to test the fitness of KDF soldiers.
During the Tuesday exercises, he participated in a 3.2-kilometre run and did push-ups alongside the soldiers. KDF also shared photos of the same on their online platforms.
"DFPRT is an annual exercise conducted across KDF in line with the Defence Forces Standing Instructions No 3 of 2021. The aim is to test the soldiers' physical fitness.
"The exercise entails measuring the Body Mass Index, and physical exercises which test the soldier’s upper body strength, the strength of the core and endurance through a series of push-ups, sit-ups and a 3.2km run respectively, considering one’s gender, age, height and weight," read the report in part.
What He Said at the Event;
At the event, Ogolla encouraged his troops to maintain fitness underpinning its health benefits.
“USCL is an excellent facility that has immensely contributed to the improvement of sports in the country since its construction, and official opening in April 2022. I encouraged all KDF personnel to utilise the facility for individual and team training," he stated.
Monday, April 15
On April 15, Ogolla congratulated Hellen Obiri for winning the Boston Marathon.
"She becomes the second Kenyan female athlete to retain her championship in the Boston Marathon. The first was former marathon world record holder Catherine Ndereba in 2004 and 2005.
"Congratulations to WO2 Obiri on her victory, and may her triumph continue to inspire future generations of athletes and service personnel alike," read the statement in part.
