List Of Kenyan Security Chiefs, Prominent Leaders Killed In Chopper Crash

• Kenya's Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla died alongside nine other KDF soldiers in a plane crash at Elgeyo-Marakwet county
• Former minister George Saitoti and his deputy Joshua Orwa Ojode died in a tragic chopper crash while en route to Mbita constituency for a fund drive
• Another tragic crash occurred in Marsabit town when a helicopter crashed down while attempting to land claiming 14 lives

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

The nation has been struck by profound shock as tragic plane crashes continue to claim the lives of top security officials and esteemed leaders.

General Ogolla, 9 others die in plane crash

In a recent heartbreaking incident, General Francis Ogolla, the incumbent chief of defence, tragically perished in a helicopter crash alongside nine KDF forces on Thursday, April 18, during a security mission in the North Rift region.

President William Ruto confirmed the devastating event, revealing that the helicopter crashed and caught fire shortly after takeoff in Elgeyo-Marakwet county.

Saitoti, Ojode die in copter crash

Reflecting on past tragedies, in 2012, an aircraft carrying former Internal Security minister George Saitoti and his deputy Joshua Orwa Ojode went down in Nairobi West, claiming six lives.

Among the deceased were Saitoti, Ojode, their bodyguards, and pilots. The officials were headed for a fund drive in the Mbita constituency in Homa Bay county.

The then-president, the late Mwai Kibaki, declared three days of mourning while the cause of their demise remained elusive.

14 killed in 2006 Marsabit plane crash

In another sorrowful incident in April 2006, a military plane transporting politicians to a peace conference crashed into a hill near Marsabit town during landing attempts, resulting in the loss of a cabinet minister, six other politicians, and seven additional leaders.

The MPs who tragically lost their lives included Mirugi Kariuki, an assistant minister in the Office of the President and MP for Nakuru Town; Titus Ngoyoni, MP for Laisamis; Bonaya Godana, MP for North Horr; Abdi Sasura, MP for Saku; Guracha Galgallo, MP for Moyale, and (Rtd.) Lt. General Abdullahi Adan, Member of Parliament for the East African Legislative Assembly.

The accompanying officers who also perished in the crash included Gilbert Siang'a, Under Secretary in the Office of the President; Thomas Chigamba, Eastern Provincial Police Officer; Peter King'ola, Moyale District Commissioner; John Ouma, Provincial Intelligence Officer; Major David Macharia Njoroge and Captain Joseph Njogu Mureithi, both Kenya Air Force Pilots; Police Constable Yusuf Guyo, and peacebuilder and minister of the Anglican Church, Bishop William Waqo.

Ahmed Khalif dies in plane crash in 2002

Further adding to the nation's mourning, former Labour minister Ahmed Khalif met his untimely demise when a helicopter carrying him and other Cabinet colleagues crashed while returning from then-Home Affairs minister Moody Awori’s homecoming in Busia in 2002.

Raila Odinga mourns Francis Ogolla, 9 others

Meanwhile, Azimio leader Raila Odinga has penned a moving tribute to General Francis Ogolla and the nine fallen soldiers.

Raila described the late General Ogolla as a patriotic leader who served the country wholeheartedly before his death.

He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families noting that words cannot be enough to comfort them.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.