• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Security
  • Education
  • Sports
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Legal
  • Technology and Science
  • Opinion
  • Columns
  • Exposé
  • World
  • Lifestyle
Kenya Enters 3 Days Of National Mourning As Helicopter Crash Claims Lives Of Defense Chief, Senior Officers

Kenya Enters 3 Days Of National Mourning As Helicopter Crash Claims Lives Of Defense Chief, Senior Officers

1 year ago
Zambia Seals $1.1bn Deal With Chinese Firm To Construct 60,000 BPD Refinery

Zambia: Court Jails Two Men Over Attempt To Kill President Hichilema With Witchcraft

2 hours ago
Libya Declares Emergency As Devastating Storm Daniel Hits Eastern Region

Pakistan: Punjab Flood Survivors Head Back Home As Water Levels Recedes

7 hours ago
Botswana: Nigerian National Appointed As Head Of SWF

Botswana: Nigerian National Appointed As Head Of SWF

8 hours ago
MWC Kigali
Why Canada Rejected Over 1,500 Nigerian Asylum Applications In 2025

Why Canada Rejected Over 1,500 Nigerian Asylum Applications In 2025

11 hours ago
Afreximbank Signs $500m Deal To Boost Nigeria’s Gas Infrastructure

Afreximbank Signs $500m Deal To Boost Nigeria’s Gas Infrastructure

24 hours ago
Monday, September 15, 2025
  • About
  • HT Management
  • Privacy Policy
Heritage Times
No Result
View All Result
Translate |
  • Login
  • Politics
    Malawi: Campaigns End Ahead Of Tuesday Presidential Polls

    Malawi: Campaigns End Ahead Of Tuesday Presidential Polls

    Tanzania: Electoral Body Accepts Candidacy Of Opposition Figure After Court Ruling

    Tanzania: Electoral Body Accepts Candidacy Of Opposition Figure After Court Ruling

    Albania: PM Appoints World’s First AI-Generated Minister To Oversee Public Tenders

    Albania: PM Appoints World’s First AI-Generated Minister To Oversee Public Tenders

    South Sudan: US Calls For Release Of Detained First VP

    South Sudan: Murder, Treason Charges Against Vice President Sparks Tension With Opposition

    France Gets New Prime Minister After Bayrou’s Resignation

    France Gets New Prime Minister After Bayrou’s Resignation

    At Washington Meeting, Trump Confronts Ramaphosa With Video Evidence Of “Genocide” Against Whites

    Trump Not Attending G20 Summit Taking Place First Time In Africa — White House

    Ivory Coast: Former First Lady Cleared To Contest Presidential Election

    Ivory Coast: Former First Lady Cleared To Contest Presidential Election

    US Deports Sierra Leone Coup Figure Charles Mbayo Over Human Rights Crimes

    US Deports Sierra Leone Coup Figure Charles Mbayo Over Human Rights Crimes

    Uganda: “Missing” Student Jailed Over TikTok Video Criticizing President Yoweri

    Uganda: Opposition Figure Arrested In Court During Colleagues Bail Hearing

  • Economy
    Botswana: Nigerian National Appointed As Head Of SWF

    Botswana: Nigerian National Appointed As Head Of SWF

    Why Canada Rejected Over 1,500 Nigerian Asylum Applications In 2025

    Why Canada Rejected Over 1,500 Nigerian Asylum Applications In 2025

    Afreximbank Signs $500m Deal To Boost Nigeria’s Gas Infrastructure

    Afreximbank Signs $500m Deal To Boost Nigeria’s Gas Infrastructure

    AfDB: Egypt To Receive $271 Agricultural Loan To Promote Food Security

    Africa’s Transition States Need $210bn Yearly To Power Transformation – AfDB

    EXPLAINER: 10 Things To Note About Nigeria’s New Tax ID Rules

    EXPLAINER: 10 Things To Note About Nigeria’s New Tax ID Rules

    Nigeria: Govt Inaugurates Committees For Civil Service Personnel Audit

    Nigeria: Govt Launches Civil Service Audit, Targets Future-Ready Workforce

    India To Inject $680 Million Into Mauritius’ Economy

    India To Inject $680 Million Into Mauritius’ Economy

    South Africa: Ramaphosa Sends Officials On Trade Negotiation Trip To US

    South Africa: Ramaphosa Sends Officials On Trade Negotiation Trip To US

    Ethiopia Unveils Africa’s Largest Dam Amid Egypt Tensions

    Ethiopia Unveils Africa’s Largest Dam Amid Egypt Tensions

  • Security
  • Education
  • Sports
  • Health
  • Metro
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Legal
  • Tech & Science
  • Opinion
  • Exposé
  • Exclusive Videos
  • Niger Delta
  • World
  • Politics
    Malawi: Campaigns End Ahead Of Tuesday Presidential Polls

    Malawi: Campaigns End Ahead Of Tuesday Presidential Polls

    Tanzania: Electoral Body Accepts Candidacy Of Opposition Figure After Court Ruling

    Tanzania: Electoral Body Accepts Candidacy Of Opposition Figure After Court Ruling

    Albania: PM Appoints World’s First AI-Generated Minister To Oversee Public Tenders

    Albania: PM Appoints World’s First AI-Generated Minister To Oversee Public Tenders

    South Sudan: US Calls For Release Of Detained First VP

    South Sudan: Murder, Treason Charges Against Vice President Sparks Tension With Opposition

    France Gets New Prime Minister After Bayrou’s Resignation

    France Gets New Prime Minister After Bayrou’s Resignation

    At Washington Meeting, Trump Confronts Ramaphosa With Video Evidence Of “Genocide” Against Whites

    Trump Not Attending G20 Summit Taking Place First Time In Africa — White House

    Ivory Coast: Former First Lady Cleared To Contest Presidential Election

    Ivory Coast: Former First Lady Cleared To Contest Presidential Election

    US Deports Sierra Leone Coup Figure Charles Mbayo Over Human Rights Crimes

    US Deports Sierra Leone Coup Figure Charles Mbayo Over Human Rights Crimes

    Uganda: “Missing” Student Jailed Over TikTok Video Criticizing President Yoweri

    Uganda: Opposition Figure Arrested In Court During Colleagues Bail Hearing

  • Economy
    Botswana: Nigerian National Appointed As Head Of SWF

    Botswana: Nigerian National Appointed As Head Of SWF

    Why Canada Rejected Over 1,500 Nigerian Asylum Applications In 2025

    Why Canada Rejected Over 1,500 Nigerian Asylum Applications In 2025

    Afreximbank Signs $500m Deal To Boost Nigeria’s Gas Infrastructure

    Afreximbank Signs $500m Deal To Boost Nigeria’s Gas Infrastructure

    AfDB: Egypt To Receive $271 Agricultural Loan To Promote Food Security

    Africa’s Transition States Need $210bn Yearly To Power Transformation – AfDB

    EXPLAINER: 10 Things To Note About Nigeria’s New Tax ID Rules

    EXPLAINER: 10 Things To Note About Nigeria’s New Tax ID Rules

    Nigeria: Govt Inaugurates Committees For Civil Service Personnel Audit

    Nigeria: Govt Launches Civil Service Audit, Targets Future-Ready Workforce

    India To Inject $680 Million Into Mauritius’ Economy

    India To Inject $680 Million Into Mauritius’ Economy

    South Africa: Ramaphosa Sends Officials On Trade Negotiation Trip To US

    South Africa: Ramaphosa Sends Officials On Trade Negotiation Trip To US

    Ethiopia Unveils Africa’s Largest Dam Amid Egypt Tensions

    Ethiopia Unveils Africa’s Largest Dam Amid Egypt Tensions

  • Security
  • Education
  • Sports
  • Health
  • Metro
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Legal
  • Tech & Science
  • Opinion
  • Exposé
  • Exclusive Videos
  • Niger Delta
  • World
No Result
View All Result
First with the News

Kenya Enters 3 Days Of National Mourning As Helicopter Crash Claims Lives Of Defense Chief, Senior Officers

April 19, 2024
in Top Stories, World
0
0
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Whatsapp

By Lucy Adautin

Kenya’s defense chief and nine other high-ranking officials tragically lost their lives in a military helicopter crash in a remote area of the country, President William Ruto announced on Thursday.

Relatedreading

Zambia: Court Jails Two Men Over Attempt To Kill President Hichilema With Witchcraft

Pakistan: Punjab Flood Survivors Head Back Home As Water Levels Recedes

“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 told reporters.

MWC Kigali MWC Kigali MWC Kigali
ADVERTISEMENT

Following news of the accident, the president swiftly convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council. He confirmed that nine other “brave military personnel” onboard lost their lives, while two survived the tragic incident.

The president also announced that the Kenya Air Force has deployed an air investigation team to determine the cause of the crash. The incident occurred in Elgeyo Marakwet county, approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles) northwest of the capital Nairobi.

The helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff from Chesegon, where he and his entourage had been visiting a school, Ruto said.

“A distinguished four-star general has fallen in the course of duty and in the service of the country,” he said.

“Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant generals, gallant officers, service men and woman.”

READ ALSO: JPMorgan Raises Caution On Phasing Out Fossil Fuels, Calls for ‘Reality Check’

Ruto announced three days of mourning from Friday, with official flags flying at half mast.

He said Ogolla, 61, had left Nairobi on Thursday morning on an Air Force Huey helicopter to visit troops deployed in the North Rift area in Operation Maliza Uhalifu (Operation End Crime in Swalihi), and other sites.

Kenyan authorities have long battled insecurity in the Rift Valley region, with armed bandits and cattle rustlers rampant.

“The helicopter burst into flames after crashing and it had more than 10 senior commanders on board including General Ogolla,” a police officer had told AFP earlier.

“They were in the area on a security mission because there are KDF (Kenya Defence Forces) soldiers deployed in the region,” he added.

 

Ogolla was appointed Chief of the Defence Forces by Ruto in April last year after a stint as deputy.

In May last year, Ruto informed journalists that he appointed Ogolla despite his involvement in attempts to challenge Ruto’s narrow election victory against opposition leader Raila Odinga in 2022.

“When I reviewed his CV, he emerged as the most qualified individual for the position of general,” Ruto stated, acknowledging that his decision contradicted the desires of many.

A skilled fighter pilot, Ogolla enlisted in the KDF in April 1984, steadily advancing through the ranks to assume command of the Kenyan Air Force in 2018, a position he held for three years.

Tags: helicopterPresident William Ruto
ShareTweetSend
Previous Post

Nigeria: Former Governor Declared Wanted, Placed Under Watchlist Over N80bn Fraud

Next Post

US Vetoes Palestine’s Request For Full UN Membership

Related Posts

Zambia Seals $1.1bn Deal With Chinese Firm To Construct 60,000 BPD Refinery

Zambia: Court Jails Two Men Over Attempt To Kill President Hichilema With Witchcraft

September 15, 2025
Libya Declares Emergency As Devastating Storm Daniel Hits Eastern Region

Pakistan: Punjab Flood Survivors Head Back Home As Water Levels Recedes

September 15, 2025

Botswana: Nigerian National Appointed As Head Of SWF

Why Canada Rejected Over 1,500 Nigerian Asylum Applications In 2025

Afreximbank Signs $500m Deal To Boost Nigeria’s Gas Infrastructure

US Secretary Of States Rubio In Israel After Strike On Qatar

Next Post
Palestine's

US Vetoes Palestine’s Request For Full UN Membership

Please login to join discussion
MWC Kigali MWC Kigali MWC Kigali
AfriHeritage Magazine Issue 2 AfriHeritage Magazine Issue 2 AfriHeritage Magazine Issue 2

Updates

Plugin Install : Widget Tab Post needs JNews - View Counter to be installed
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Zambia Seals $1.1bn Deal With Chinese Firm To Construct 60,000 BPD Refinery

Zambia: Court Jails Two Men Over Attempt To Kill President Hichilema With Witchcraft

September 15, 2025
Libya Declares Emergency As Devastating Storm Daniel Hits Eastern Region

Pakistan: Punjab Flood Survivors Head Back Home As Water Levels Recedes

September 15, 2025
Botswana: Nigerian National Appointed As Head Of SWF

Botswana: Nigerian National Appointed As Head Of SWF

September 15, 2025
Why Canada Rejected Over 1,500 Nigerian Asylum Applications In 2025

Why Canada Rejected Over 1,500 Nigerian Asylum Applications In 2025

September 15, 2025
JESIN GAMES - AfriTrivia JESIN GAMES - AfriTrivia JESIN GAMES - AfriTrivia
ADVERTISEMENT

Most Recent

Zambia: Court Jails Two Men Over Attempt To Kill President Hichilema With Witchcraft

September 15, 2025

Pakistan: Punjab Flood Survivors Head Back Home As Water Levels Recedes

September 15, 2025

Botswana: Nigerian National Appointed As Head Of SWF

September 15, 2025

Why Canada Rejected Over 1,500 Nigerian Asylum Applications In 2025

September 15, 2025

Afreximbank Signs $500m Deal To Boost Nigeria’s Gas Infrastructure

September 14, 2025

US Secretary Of States Rubio In Israel After Strike On Qatar

September 14, 2025

Venezuela: Civilians Train On Shooting Skills Amid US Threats

September 14, 2025

Malawi: Campaigns End Ahead Of Tuesday Presidential Polls

September 13, 2025

About

Heritage Times HT stands as a beacon of pan-African journalism, dedicated to amplyfing the rich tapestry of voices and narratives across the continent. With unwavering commitment, we illuminate the evocative essence of Africa, offering a fresh perspective that captivates our global audience.

Featured

One Year of Transformative Stewardship: Walson-Jack’s Innovative Impact on Nigeria’s Civil Service

Africa’s Largest Tech Event, MWC25 Kigali, Returns With Focus On Innovation, Policy

Nadine Djuiko: Meet The Cameroonian Woman Behind Maryland’s Million-Dollar Braiding Empire

Connect

Connect with us on social media and receive timely updates on the go.

Get Updates

  • About
  • HT Management
  • Privacy Policy

© 2025 Heritage Times (HT) Media.

No Result
View All Result
  • Welcome
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Security
  • Exposé
  • Education
  • Sports
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Legal
  • Technology and Science
  • Columns
    • Opinion
  • World
  • __________________
  • Make a Donation
  • Photo Speaks
  • Videos
  • You-Report
  • Whistleblower
  • Advertise
  • HT Events
  • HT Management
  • About HT
  • Contact us

© 2025 Heritage Times (HT) Media.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In