Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla has been confirmed dead following a chopper crash in Kaben, Elgeyo Marakwet on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) boss was on board the military aircraft following a strategic security meeting in West Pokot County.

Confirming the news, Ogolla's daughter Lorna Omondi Ogolla idolised her deceased father as a stateman who dedicated his life in service of the country.

"My father Pursuer of excellence Most empathetic and effective leader and statesman just went down in chopper crash in West Pokot Doing what he did best for the better part of the last 40 years - trying to keep Kenya Safe 

"One day I shall tell beautiful stories of how he taught with his actions and not with his words. But today - I rush home to send him off to the great beyond," Lorna mourned.

The KDF chopper Ogollah was on aboard went down after its engines caught fire. Four other persons were killed while three sustained injuries. The plane burst into flames immediately after hitting the gound.

Ogollah was the highest ranking military officer in Kenya until his unfortunate demise. He took office as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) in October 2022 - ascending from the role of VCDF which he assumed in July 2021.

For three years he served as the Commander of the Kenya Air Force from July 2018.