NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenya’s military chief Gen. Francis Ogolla died in a helicopter crash west of the country, President William Ruto announced Thursday and declared three days of national mourning.
The helicopter was carrying 11 people, including Gen. Ogolla, when it crashed Thursday and caught fire in a remote area near the border with Uganda, killing nine people onboard, the president said.
It is unclear what caused the crash.
Gen. Ogolla, 61, was on a tour of the country’s troubled western region that has seen frequent attacks by local bandits.
He was appointed Kenya’s Chief of Defense Forces in April last year after Gen. Robert Kibochi retired.
Political controversy surrounded Ogolla even before his appointment, when he was accused by the country’s electoral commission chairperson as being part of a national security council delegation that tried to influence the outcome of the 2022 general election against President Ruto.
Columbia University: Police arrest protesters who had set up pro
Megan Thee Stallion, Patricia Arquette, and Busy Philipps lead the pro
US says China is funding America’s fentanyl crisis — Radio Free Asia
US reimposes oil sanctions on Venezuela ahead of election
Prince Harry confirms he is now a US resident
US reimposes oil sanctions on Venezuela ahead of election
David and Victoria Beckham braced for release of latest tell
Mama June admits she's now trying new weight loss drug after 'packing on' 130lbs
Rap artist GloRilla has been charged with drunken driving in Georgia
NFL draft: Top defensive players on the board
As earnings season rolls into its heart, hopes rise for broader gains
US probe of Hondas that can activate emergency braking for no reason moves closer to a recall