AU sends condolences to Kenya over death of defence chief, others in helicopter crash
The chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Friday extended condolences over the deaths of senior Kenyan army commanders.
Ten senior commanders, including chief of the Kenya Defence Forces Francis Ogolla, were killed in a helicopter crash in the country’s northwest on Thursday.
“Our thoughts and prayers go to the people and government of Kenya following a tragic helicopter accident that claimed the lives of military personnel, including the Chief of the Kenyan Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla,” the AU Commission chief said on X, formerly Twitter, late Thursday.
Kenyan President William Ruto, addressing a televised news conference in the capital of Nairobi, said 10 military officers died in the crash, while two others survived and are now hospitalised.
“This is a moment of great sadness,” Mr Ruto said as he announced that the East African nation will observe a three-day period of mourning beginning on Friday.
This is to honour the life and distinguished military career of the fallen general, who lost his life not only while in office but also while on active military duty.
Witnesses said the helicopter crashed two kilometres away and burst into flames moments after taking off from an area along the troubled Elgeyo Marakwet-West Pokot border.
(Xinhua/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Tinubu advised me never to negotiate with criminals, Gov Ododo says
“I don’t play with criminals, and I don’t negotiate with them. I can tell you that, as far as Kogi State is concerned, we don’t have a department for ransom payment,” he said.
Heading 1
U.S. has spent $37.5 billion on Iran war: Hegseth
“The estimate we have as of today is $37.5 billion,” Mr Hegseth said.
Lagos
Slain Lagos NURTW organising secretary buried amid tears
Mr Ajiboye died days after he was attacked by gunmen.
Africa
144 refugees, migrants dead, missing off Mauritania coast: UNHCR
“The refugees and migrants were reported dead or missing after attempting the perilous sea journey from West Africa towards Europe,” the agency said.
World
U.S. govt condemns Ortega’s ban on elections in Nicaragua
Mr Rubio urged the international community to rise against Mr Ortega’s dictatorship.
World
Zelensky sacks Ukraine’s top general after firing defence minister
Mr Syrskyi’s dismissal came days after Mr Zelensky fired Ukraine’s defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, a decision that sparked protests across the country.
