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The CS noted that Ogolla was on a mission to inspect renovations in five schools when his plane crashed.
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Ogolla died after a chopper he was travelling in alongside other officials crashed in Kaben, Marakwet East on Thursday.
Image: FILE
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has joined other leaders in mourning the death of Chief of Defence Forces Fred Ogolla who died on Thursday alongside nine others.
"On behalf of the Ministry of Education, and my behalf, I wish to send my most sincere condolences to the family, friends, and the whole nation over the death of the Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Francis Omondi Ogolla and nine other military personnel in an air crash in Elgeyo Marakwet County yesterday," Machogu said.
The CS noted that Ogolla was on a mission to inspect renovations in five schools when his plane crashed.
"Part of Gen. Ogolla and his team’s assignment included an inspection of the ongoing renovation works in five schools," Machogu said on Friday in a press statement.
The five schools Ogolla was meant to inspect are Chesitet Primary School; Cheptulel Boys High School; Chepoton Primary School; Ksaa Primary School; and Sablimoi Primary School.
The CS called upon the communities in the North Rift region to embrace peace and end their hostilities to allow a return to normal school operations in honour of the fallen giants.
"We wish the two military personnel, who are currently undergoing medical attention, a quick recovery," the CS said.
Ogolla died after a chopper he was travelling in alongside other officials crashed in Kaben, Marakwet East on Thursday.
Ogolla took over as CDF on April 28, 2023.
Witnesses said it burst into flames on crashing.
There was only one survivor believed to be a photographer, other officers said.
The officers were surveying the area ahead of the planned deployment of more troops to battle cattle rustlers in the area.
Ogolla was named the new Chief of Defence Forces in changes in the military, taking over from his predecessor General Robert Kibochi.
Kibochi handed over to Ogolla as CDF after attaining the mandatory exit age of 62.
Other leaders also sent their condolences to the family of Ogolla.
President William Ruto after officially confirming Ogolla's death said he was saddened by the accident that occurred at 2.20 pm.
"I'm deeply saddened to announce the passing on of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces," Ruto said during his address to the nation at State House, Nairobi.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta mourned Francis Ogolla as a "devoted patriot who dedicated his life to serving and protecting our beloved country."
"It is with great sadness that I have learned of the tragic passing of Ogolla. His untimely demise in a helicopter crash at the Kaben-Cheptulel border between Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties is a significant loss for our nation," he said.
"The CDF was not only an accomplished military leader but also a devoted patriot who dedicated his life to serving and protecting our beloved country."