President William Ruto has announced a three day mourning period commencing Friday, April 18, 2024, to celebrate the life and achievement of deceased Chief of Defence Forces Francis Omondi Ogolla.

Addressing the nation from State House Nairobi, President Ruto termed General Ogolla's tragic death as huge loss to the country - and also to him personally.

During the mourning period, the head of state announced that all flags will be flown at half mast. This will include all Kenyan flags in high commissions across the world.

President Ruto described Ogolla as a patriot who diligently served his country. He further announced that the Kenya Air Force has commenced investigations to determine the cause of the crash.

"This is a moment of great sadness for myself, as the Commander in Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, the Kenya Defence Forces fraternity and the nation at large. Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant generals, gallant officers, service men and woman. The demise of General Ogolla is a painful loss to me, and certainly, the sorrow we all feel about his passing is shared by all the people of Kenya, and especially the KDF fraternity. A distinguished four-star general has fallen in the course of duty, and service to country.

"I convey my deepest condolences to all families who are grieving this untimely loss and our mourning nation. May the Almighty Lord rest their souls in peace and grant their families fortitude at this time of deep sorrow. I also wish a quick recovery to the two injured soldiers in this accident," President Ruto mourned.

Eight other distinguished service men perished in the accident while two others suffered severe injuries and are currently undergoing treatment.

Ogolla was headed to Uasin Gishu following a strategic security meeting in West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet. He attended a multi-agency security meeting on banditry, before proceeding to inspect the construction of various schools in the area.

Leaders from across the country have since joined in to mourn the fallen service man.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the demise of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). Our prayers and thoughts are with his wife, Aieleen Ogolla, and the family during this difficult time.

"We also remember the other families affected by this unfortunate accident and pray that God comforts and strengthens them," Mama Rachel Ruto mourned Gen Ogolla.

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta reminisced on his working relationship with General Ogolla describing him as not only an accomplished military leader, but also a devoted patriot who dedicated his life to serving and protecting Kenya - whose leadership, bravery, and unwavering commitment to duty created a lasting impact on the KDF and the coutry as a whole.

"During this period of mourning, please accept my sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of the other officers of the ill-fated flight. 

"May the memories of these exceptional military officers, who had a profound influence on our nation, bring you comfort and strength in this difficult time," Uhuru condoled.

ODM Leader Raila Odinga said, "My wife Ida and I are deeply saddened and profoundly shocked by the passing of General. Francis Ogolla, the Chief of Defence Forces. We join the nation in mourning his loss. Gen. Ogolla was a true patriot, a highly decorated soldier, and a consummate professional who served our country with unwavering dedication".

"Our hearts go out to his family, his colleagues in the KDF, and the entire nation as we grieve this immense loss," he condoled.

US envoy to Kenya, Ambassador Meg Wittman said, "I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Chief of Defense Forces General Ogolla and to all the families of the victims of this terrible crash. I had the honor of working with General Ogolla and had great respect for his integrity and dedication to the Kenyan people. He was a great friend of the United States and helped advance the U.S.-Kenya partnership".

His untimely demise makes him the shortest serving Chief of Defence Forces having assumed office on April 23, 2024, taking over from retired General Robert Kibochi.