Intelligence insights on the death of Kenya's CDF Francis Ogolla in chopper crash yesterday- accident or plot?
Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla died on Thursday afternoon after a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) helicopter crashed in Sindar, Elgeyo-Marakwet County.
"Today at 2:20pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident at Sindar area, Kaben location, Tot division, in Elgeyo Marakwet County. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces," President William Ruto said in a live address to the nation from State House, Nairobi on Thursday night..
The other offices who died in the crash are Brigadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu, Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.
A Distinguished Career Cut Short
General Ogolla, 61, was a highly respected figure within the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). He graduated from prestigious institutions like the National Defence College of Kenya and the École Militaire de Paris. Notably, he also trained as a fighter pilot with the United States Air Force, showcasing his diverse skillset. Throughout his career, General Ogolla rose through the ranks, serving as the Kenyan Air Force commander before becoming the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces. In April 2023, President William Ruto appointed him as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
General Ogolla's leadership coincided with a complex security environment in Kenya. The country faces ongoing threats from regional instability, terrorism, and internal conflicts like cattle rustling in the western region, where the crash occurred.