KDF Chief Francis Ogolla Involved in Chopper Accident

KDF Chief Francis Ogolla Involved in Chopper Accident

  • General Francis Ogolla, the Chief of Defence Forces was involved in a helicopter crash in West Pokot shortly after their chopper took off
  • Elgeyo-Marakwet County Commandant Peter Mulinge confirmed the loss of several individuals in the devastating accident
  • The officials were conducting a tour to assess the security situation and discuss the potential reopening of schools
  • Mulinge said the unconfirmed number of survivors was airlifted by another KDF aircraft as they continued to assess the scene of the accident

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

The Kenya Defence Forces community is reeling with grief and sadness following the tragic crash of a helicopter carrying Chief of Defence Francis Ogolla.

Francis Ogola
KDF helicopter crashes in West Pokot. Photo: Cyprian Nyakundi.
Source: UGC

The chopper went down and burst into flames in the Kaber area of Endo Ward, Elgeyo Marakwet, shortly after departing from Cheptulel Boys Secondary School on Thursday afternoon, April 18.

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In the company of Ogolla were other key military officials.

Reports from NTV indicate that authorities have confirmed the loss of several individuals in the devastating accident, while some individuals managed to survive.

The Elgeyo-Marakwet County Commandant Peter Mulinge said the survivors were airlifted by another KDF aircraft.

Where was Ogolla, other officials headed?

According to Mulinge, the aircraft was the first one to take off among the three that were leaving the Cheptulel area.

The officials were conducting a tour to assess the security situation and discuss the potential reopening of schools in the volatile border region between West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet.

The number of casualties is yet to be confirmed.

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The businessman was on board the helicopter with his wife, son and three other passengers. Authorities in the US reportedly said the helicopter crashed around 10:00 pm local time near Nipton, California.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Authors:
Berlinda Entsie avatar

Berlinda Entsie (Copy Editor) Berlinda Entsie is a Copy Editor at YEN.com.gh. She has worked as a proofreader and editor since 2016. Berlinda has over 5 years' experience editing and writing for leading publications in Ghana. She previously worked with Graphic Communications Group LTD, Business Insider SSA and Pulse.com.gh. She obtained a B.A in English Studies from the Methodist University College in 2016 and a Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the GH Media School in 2019. Reach out to her via berlinda.entsie@yen.com.gh

Peter Ansah avatar

Peter Ansah (Entertainment Editor) Ansah Peter is an entertainment editor who joined YEN.com.gh in September 2023. He studied Development Planning at KNUST, graduating in 2018. His professional career in entertainment journalism dates eight years back as a showbiz and arts blogger for the now-defunct motionhypegh.net, continuing to Muse Media Networks, acting as the editorial manager for the network's flagship multimedia platforms. He has also managed several PR roles with top clients, including Morgan Heritage. In 2024, Peter completed Google News Initiative courses in Advanced Digital Reporting and Fighting Misinformation