NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 19-The Parliament of Uganda on Friday observed a moment of silence in honor of the late Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla and nine other who perished following a military helicopter crash in Elgeyo-Marakwet’s Keben area on Thursday.
The gesture comes even as tribute continue to pour in celebrating the lives of the 10 officers drawn from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) who died in a crash, that left only two survivors.
“The House observes a moment of silence in honour of the Kenyan Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Francis Omondi and other army officers who died in a plane crash yesterday (Thursday),” Uganda Parliament said in statement.
Other KDF personnel who perished alongside Ogolla are; Brigadier Swaleh Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu, Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.
On Friday, Kenya’s parliament postponed the official opening of the Bunge towers which was to be officiated today by President William Ruto as the Chief Guest.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula who chairs the Parliamentary Service Commission made the announcement which is set to pave way for national mourning.
“Following the tragic event, His Excellency the President has announced three days of national mourning. In view of the foregoing, this is to notify you that the Official Opening Ceremony of the Bunge Tower that was scheduled to take place tomorrow has been postponed,” Wetangula said.
Bunge Tower Opening ceremony has been rescheduled to Thursday, 25th April 2024 from 9.00 am.
“I wish to convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the Late General Francis Ogolla and the nine gallant soldiers, and the Kenya Defence Forces,” Wetangula stated.
“I also wish quick recovery to the two officers who survived the helicopter crash,” he said.
The country has started three days of mourning the death of Ogolla.
President William Ruto declared three of mourning the General and nine other Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel who perished when their helicopter crashed and burst into flames in Elgeyo Marakwet.
President Ruto ordered the lowering of national, regional, and regimental flags to half-mast from Friday.
He described Gen Ogolla’s death as “a painful loss to me”.
