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Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Francis Ogolla, is dead.

President William Ruto confirmed Ogolla’s death on Thursday, April 18. The military chief perished in a helicopter crash at Kaben in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Ogolla was visiting troops in the bandit-stricken region to assess the security situation ahead of the reopening of schools.

‘Today at 2:20 pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident… I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of General Francis Omondi Ogolla,” Ruto said, adding that nine other officers were also killed while two survived.

Francis Ogolla, a distinguished four-star general, took over as CDF in 2023.