Ogolla – Kenya’s highest ranking military officer – was in the helicopter alongside 11 other military personnel. Only two people survived.

In a news conference, President William Ruto said it was a “moment of great sadness” for the country.

He had earlier convened an urgent security council meeting.

The crash happened Yesterday on 18 April 2024 at 14:20 (11:20 GMT), Mr Ruto said. The Kenyan air force has dispatched an air investigation team to establish the cause.

The helicopter came down in Elgeyo Marakwet county, some 400km (250 miles) north-west of the capital Nairobi, shortly after take off, Mr Ruto said.

Ogolla was appointed in April of last year after serving as the commander of the air force and deputy chief of defence forces.

Mr Ruto described his chief military adviser as a gallant officer who had died in the line of duty.