President Paul Kagame extended condolences to Kenya after the country lost its Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Francis Ogolla, and other soldiers, in a military chopper crash on April 18.

The accident involving a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) helicopter, occurred in Sindar, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, as per information from Kenya’s presidency.

"I send my condolences to President William Ruto, families and loved ones of the plane crash victims including the Chief of Defense Forces General Ogolla who will be remembered for his professionalism and humility in his service,” Kagame said in his Kiswahili message on X, on April 19.

While condoling with the family of Ogolla at their home in Nairobi, on April 19, Kenya’s President Ruto said that the General died on duty while responding to the cries of women and children who suffered at the hands of bandits and cattle rustlers.

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Ruto described the General as a dedicated, professional and visionary leader who had served his nation passionately.

"He was a committed general and a patriot, a man who loved his country,” he said.

"This is a big loss to the country because General Ogolla made a whole difference in the security of the country,” he said of his passing.

For him, Ogolla taught many lessons to Kenyans, including humility, professionalism, on commitment to country.