The Chief of Defence Forces in the UPDF, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has said the entire East African region will greatly miss the vast military experience and expertise of fallen Kenyan Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Francis Ogolla.
“As the UPDF, we recall a particular incident that highlights Gen. Ogolla’s commitment to service. During the tragedy of the UPDF helicopters crashing into Mt. Kenya in 2012. He was the commander of Nanyuki Air Base, and he climbed up the mountain himself to search for survivors. His actions directly contributed to the rescue of two helicopter crews,” Gen Kainerugaba said in his eulogy. We stand in solidarity with our Kenyan brothers and sisters during this difficult time. On behalf of the UPDF and my own behalf, I extend our deepest condolences to His Excellency William Ruto the Commander in Chief, the KDF fraternity and all the people of Kenya and East Africa who mourn this loss.”
“During these difficult times, may the Almighty grant strength to General Ogolla’s family. The UPDF will never forget what he did for us and we pray for the swift and complete recovery of the survivors of this terrible accident. I implore comrades of the KDF to honor General Ogolla’s legacy by continuing to work towards a more secure East Africa and Africa, a vision that I am sure he cherished.”
Gen Francis Ogolla died on Thursday when a Kenya Defence Forces helicopter he was flying in crashed shortly after taking off, killing all the crew and KDF officers aboard.
Only one person, a photographer survived the accident but is now in hospital nursing serious injuries.
Gen Ogolla was buried on Saturday with a 16-gun salute sending him off.
