President William Ruto has announced three days of mourning following the tragic passing of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla, who lost his life in a helicopter crash on Thursday at Sindar area in Elgeyo Marakwet County, alongside nine other military personnel.

Speaking to journalists at State House in Nairobi, where he shared the news of General Ogolla's demise with the nation, President Ruto mourned the late CDF as a gallant military officer and a true patriot who dedicated his life to serving his country with unparalleled honor and distinction.

"This is a moment of great sadness for myself, as the Commander in Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, the Kenya Defence Forces fraternity, and the nation at large. Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant generals, gallant officers, service men, and women," said Ruto.

"The demise of General Ogolla is a painful loss to me, and certainly, the sorrow we all feel about his passing is shared by all the people of Kenya, and especially the KDF fraternity. A distinguished four-star General has fallen in the course of duty, and service to the country."

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While extending condolences to Ogolla's family and friends, the Head of State subsequently directed that all flags in Kenya fly at half mast during the three-day period.

"In honor of the life and the distinguished military career of the fallen General who lost his life not just while in office but in active military duty, the nation will observe a period of three days of mourning commencing on April 19," said the President.

"During this time of mourning, the Kenyan flag, KDF, East African, and flags of all formations of the military shall fly at half mast in the Republic of Kenya and Kenyan nations abroad."