Kenya is in mourning following the tragic demise of its military chief, General Francis Ogolla, in a helicopter crash in the country's northwest, as confirmed by President William Ruto.

The incident, which occurred at approximately 2:20 pm local time on Thursday in Elgeyo Marakwet County, claimed the lives of General Ogolla and nine others. The crash site, located about 400 kilometers (250 miles) northwest of Nairobi, was near Cheptulel Boys Secondary School in West Pokot County.

The military helicopter, engaged in a visit to troops combating cattle rustling in northwest Kenya, crashed mere minutes after departure, leaving the cause of the accident initially unclear.

Expressing grief over the loss, President Ruto stated in a press briefing, “Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant generals. The demise of General Ogolla is a painful loss to me.”

Amidst the tragedy, two soldiers survived the crash and are currently receiving medical treatment. President Ruto confirmed that an air investigation team has been dispatched to ascertain the circumstances leading to the incident.

General Ogolla, who previously served as the head of the Kenyan Air Force before assuming the role of deputy military chief and subsequently being promoted by President Ruto last year, had a distinguished military career spanning decades. His training included stints as a fighter pilot with the United States Air Force and as an instructor pilot with the Kenyan Air Force, as per the Ministry of Defence profile.

General Ogolla's promotion to the top military position a year ago was not without controversy, with President Ruto alleging his involvement in a plot to overturn the outcome of the 2022 presidential election. However, Ruto asserted that Ogolla was the most qualified candidate for the role.

The crash adds to a series of aviation mishaps in Kenya, including the loss of at least 10 soldiers in June 2021 when their helicopter crashed during landing near Nairobi.

BOB Post