Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla passed away yesterday after a chopper he was travelling in alongside other officials crashed in Kaben, Marakwet East on Thursday.

Ogolla took over as CDF on April 28, 2023.

Others who perished include

Brig. Swaleh Saidi

Col. Duncan Keitany

Lt. Col. David Sawe

 Major George Benson Magondu (who was also the pilot)

Capt. Sorah Mohamed

 Capt. Hillary Litali

Senior Sergeant John Kinywa Mureithi

 Sgt. Cliffonce Omondi

 Sgt. Rose Nyawira.

The President detailed the events leading up to the death of the military officers.

In a televised address to the nation from State House, Nairobi, Ruto said Ogolla boarded the Kenya Air Force Huey Helicopter and left Nairobi Thursday morning.

He said the CDF was on a trip to visit troops deployed in the North Rift under Operation Maliza Uhalifu and to inspect the ongoing school renovation works in five schools.

The President said Ogolla was to inspect Chesitet Primary School, Cheptulel Boys High School, Chepoton Primary School, Ksaa Primary School and Sablimoi Primary School as part of his working tour.

The President said Ogolla and his entourage then departed from Kainuk to Chesegon in West Pokot County, where he launched the rehabilitation of Cheptulel Boys High School.

Ogolla and his entourage then departed from Kainuk to Chesegon in West Pokot County, where he launched the rehabilitation of Cheptulel Boys High School.

He said he then departed Chesegon for the Recruits Training School in Uasin Gishu County, where he was scheduled to inspect construction facilities at the institution.

Unfortunately, the aircraft crashed shortly after take-off at 2.20pm.

Check out the latest news here and you are welcome to join our super exclusive Mpasho WhatsApp group for all the latest and breaking news in entertainment. We would also like to hear from you, WhatsApp us on +254 736 944935.