Nairobi, April 18 -- Kenya's Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla is dead, President William Ruto has confirmed.

General Ogolla died on Thursday afternoon after a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) helicopter crashed in Sindar, Elgeyo-Marakwet County.

"Today at 2.20 pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident at Sindar area, Kaben location, Tot division, in Elgeyo Marakwet County. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces," President Ruto said in a live address to the nation from State House, Nairobi on Thursday night.

The President said together with General Ogolla in the crash were 11 other military personnel, nine who also passed on while two survived.

The...