Kenyan President William Ruto has confirmed that a helicopter crash on Thursday killed nine people, including key military officials. 

Among the casualties was General Francis Ogolla, the Chief of Defence for Kenya, who was one of 11 military personnel aboard the helicopter. Two individuals survived the crash and are receiving treatment in the hospital. 

“Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant generals,” Mr Ruto said. “The demise of General Ogolla is a painful loss to me.”

During a press conference, Mr Ruto expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, referring to the crash as a “tragic moment.”

A report by the Voice of America (VOA) also confirmed the incident and provided further details on the casualties.

Earlier, Mr Ruto convened an urgent meeting of the Kenyan Security Council.

Mr Ogolla headed the Kenyan Air Force before rising to deputy military chief.

Mr Ruto promoted Mr Ogolla to lead the military last year. At the time, the president accused him of taking part in an attempt to overturn the 2022 presidential election results but said he was the most qualified person for the job.