Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla with the Ulinzi Stars players at a past event. General Ogolla died in a chopper crash yesterday.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has joined other Kenyans in mourning the demise of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla and nine other military personnel who perished yesterday in a military helicopter crash.
In a communiqué, circulated to all FKF members, FKF Secretary General Barry Otieno requested all FKF members to observe a minute of silence before the commencement of all FKF matches, starting from April 19, 2024 to April 29, 2024 as a mark of respect and remembrance for the fallen soldiers.
Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Ogolla, and nine other military personnel met their death when a chopper they were travelling in crashed shortly after take off in Kaben area in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
FKF said that the untimely demise of the CDF and other military officers, who were were on a mission to visit troops deployed in the North Rift under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, and to inspect the ongoing school renovations works in schools closed down due to banditry in the volatile region is a profound loss not only to the military fraternity but to the entire nation.
“The men and women of our armed forces have consistently displayed unwavering commitment and sacrifice in ensuring the security and stability of our beloved nation. Their contributions extend beyond the boundaries of their duties, often extending to safeguarding events and gatherings, including our football matches,” Otieno said in the statement from FKF.
“In light of this unfortunate event and in recognition of the invaluable service rendered by General Francis Ogolla and the other fallen soldiers, we, the Football Kenya Federation, wish to honour their memory and express our deepest condolences to their families, friends, and colleagues. Therefore, we kindly request all FKF members to observe a minute of silence before the commencement of all FKF matches, starting from April 19, 2024 to April 29, 2024 as a mark of respect and remembrance for the fallen soldiers,” Otieno observed.
FKF has called on all its members to stand together in solidarity and pay tribute to these brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for the greater good of the country.
President William Ruto yesterday announced a three-day national mourning period commencing today 19th April 2024. During this time of national mourning, the Kenyan flag, the Kenya Defence Forces Flag, and the Eastern Africa community flag shall fly at half-mast in the Republic of Kenya and Kenya missions abroad.