UDA Postpones Party Elections in Nyanza Following Death of Kenya's Military Chief

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in Nyanza, Kenya has postponed its upcoming party elections following the tragic death of Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla in a helicopter crash on Thursday in Elgeyo Marakwet County. Kennedy Obuya, the interim chairman for UDA in Homa Bay, expressed this decision as a gesture of respect towards Ogolla and to allow time for the community to mourn.

General Ogolla, along with nine other military officers, died when their helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff from the village of Chesegon, where Ogolla and his entourage had been visiting a school. President William Ruto announced three days of national mourning and said the Kenya Air Force had dispatched an investigation team to determine the cause of the crash.

Ogolla, a trained fighter pilot, had been promoted to the Chief of Defence Forces role just a year ago by President Ruto and was about to mark 40 years of military service. He was visiting troops deployed in Operation Maliza Uhalifu in the North Rift region, where insecurity caused by armed bandits and cattle rustlers is rife, when the accident occurred.

Why this matters: The death of General Ogolla, a highly decorated officer and the top military adviser to the president, is a significant loss for Kenya. The incident raises concerns about the safety and maintenance of the country's military aircraft, as this is the fifth armed forces chopper crash in Kenya in the past 12 months.

Ogolla's family has announced that he will be laid to rest at his family home in Mor, Alego Usonga, Siaya County on Sunday, April 21, 2024, preceded by a memorial service at his local church in Nduru. Additionally, a memorial service will be held on Friday, April 26th, 2024, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Langata.

The fallen soldiers will be accorded national honors during their final rites. "General Ogolla was a gallant, intelligent and professional military officer who showed utmost dedication in serving this country," said President Ruto in his condolence message. The crash is under investigation by the Kenya Air Force as the nation mourns the loss of a distinguished military leader and his colleagues.

Key Takeaways

• UDA postpones party elections in Nyanza, Kenya after General Ogolla's death.
• General Ogolla, 9 other military officers killed in helicopter crash in Elgeyo Marakwet.
• Ogolla, promoted to Chief of Defence Forces a year ago, was visiting troops in North Rift.
• Ogolla's death raises concerns about safety and maintenance of Kenya's military aircraft.
• Ogolla to be laid to rest on April 21, 2024, with national honors for fallen soldiers.