Daughter of Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla, speaks out after chopper crash
Following the devastating helicopter crash involving the Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla, his daughter, Lorna A. Omondi Ogolla, has bravely spoken out and paid a moving tribute to her father.
Lorna, who works in strategy and operations for Google Data Centres Equipment Supply Chain, took to her LinkedIn account to honour her father.
In her heartfelt tribute, she described General Ogolla as a “pursuer of excellence” and “the most compassionate and effective leader and statesman”.
She recounted his dedication to the security of Kenya over the past four decades, emphasising his commitment to service and protection.
“One day I will tell beautiful stories of how he taught with his actions and not with his words,” Lorna wrote, reflecting on her father’s powerful legacy. “But today – I rush home to send him off to the great beyond.”
Lorna is based in San Francisco, US.
The tragic incident occurred when a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) helicopter crashed and caught fire in the Sindar area, on the border of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
Five occupants tragically lost their lives, while three miraculously survived. The details of the occupants is yet to be officially released.
Elgeyo Marakwet County Commander Peter Mulinge confirmed the incident that took place on April 18, revealing that the ill-fated aircraft was part of a group of three helicopters taking off from the Cheptulel area.
Although it was the first to take off, it crash-landed minutes later.
The KDF quickly cordoned off the crash site, indicating the seriousness of the situation.
The helicopter that crashed was on a peacekeeping mission, adding to the tragic nature of the event.
General Ogolla is not only in the military, but also in the National Security Council, where he served alongside key figures.
Update: President Ruto confirms CDF Ogolla died in the chopper crash.