Kenya Defence Chief Francis Ogolla Involved in Chopper Accident

• General Francis Ogolla, the Chief of Defence Forces was involved in a helicopter crash in West Pokot shortly after their chopper took off
• Elgeyo-Marakwet County Commandant Peter Mulinge confirmed the loss of several individuals in the devastating accident
• The officials were conducting a tour to assess the security situation and discuss the potential reopening of schools
• Mulinge said the unconfirmed number of survivors was airlifted by another KDF aircraft as they continued to assess the scene of the accident

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

The Kenya Defence Forces community is reeling with grief and sadness following the tragic crash of a helicopter carrying Chief of Defence Francis Ogolla.

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The chopper went down and burst into flames in the Kaber area of Endo Ward, Elgeyo Marakwet, shortly after departing from Cheptulel Boys Secondary School on Thursday afternoon, April 18.

In the company of Ogolla were other key military officials.

Reports from NTV indicate that authorities have confirmed the loss of several individuals in the devastating accident, while some individuals managed to survive.

The Elgeyo-Marakwet County Commandant Peter Mulinge said the survivors were airlifted by another KDF aircraft.

Where was Ogolla, other officials headed?

According to Mulinge, the aircraft was the first one to take off among the three that were leaving the Cheptulel area.

The officials were conducting a tour to assess the security situation and discuss the potential reopening of schools in the volatile border region between West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet.

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The number of casualties is yet to be confirmed.

Access bank CEO Herbert killed in helicopter crash

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Herbert Wigwe, the group chief executive officer of Access Holdings, was involved in a helicopter crash while in the United States. Wigwe, a high flyer in the Nigerian banking sector, has had an illustrious career spanning decades.

According to multiple reports including TheCable, the incident occurred in California near the Nevada border, where Wigwe was accompanied by his wife and son.

The helicopter was carrying a total of six passengers, including Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the group chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc.

Source: TUKO.co.ke