The Ugandan Parliament has observed a moment of silence in honor of the late Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla and nine others who perished following a helicopter crash in Elgeyo-Marakwet.
“The House observes a moment of silence in honour of the Kenyan Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Francis Omondi and other army officers who died in a plane crash yesterday (Thursday),” Uganda Parliament said in a statement on Friday.
The gesture comes even as tribute continues to pour in celebrating the lives of the ten officers drawn from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) who died in a crash that left only two survivors.
Other KDF personnel who perished alongside Ogolla are Brigadier Swaleh Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu, Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.
On Friday, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula postponed the official opening of the Bunge Towers, which President William Ruto was to attend as the Chief Guest today.
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Wetangula who chairs the Parliamentary Service Commission made the announcement which is set to pave way for national mourning.
“Following the tragic event, His Excellency the President has announced three days of national mourning. In view of the foregoing, this is to notify you that the Official Opening Ceremony of the Bunge Tower that was scheduled to take place tomorrow has been postponed,” Wetangula said.
The Bunge Tower Opening ceremony has been rescheduled for Thursday, 25th April 2024, at 9.00 am.
“I wish to convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the Late General Francis Ogolla and the nine gallant soldiers, and the Kenya Defence Forces,” Wetangula stated.
