FKF matches to honour fallen KDF Soldiers in next 10 days
19th April 2024
Gen Ogolla was killed in a military chopper crash in Elgeyo Marakwet alongside nine other soldiers.
- Teams will observe a minute of silence before the start of all FKF matches.
- The special honour for the fallen soldiers is expected to run from Friday, April 19 to Monday, April 29.
Kenyan football will join the rest of the country in paying
tribute to the Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Francis Ogolla and his colleagues
who passed on in a plane crash on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
In a notice issued by FKF Chief Executive Officer Barry
Otieno, teams will observe a minute of silence before the start of all FKF
matches with the special honour for the fallen soldiers expected to run from
Friday, April 19 to Monday, April 29.
"The men and women of our armed forces have
consistently displayed unwavering commitment and sacrifice in ensuring the
security and stability of our beloved nation.
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Their contributions extend beyond the boundaries of their
duties, often extending to safeguarding events and gatherings, including our
football matches," the statement read in part.
"In light of this unfortunate event and in recognition
of the invaluable service rendered by General Francis Ogolla and the other
fallen soldiers, we, the Football Kenya Federation, wish to honour their memory
and express our deepest condolences to their families, friends, and
colleagues."
"Therefore, we kindly request all FKF members to
observe a minute of silence before the commencement of all FKF matches,
starting from today, April 19, 2024 to April 29, 2024 as a mark of respect and
remembrance for the fallen soldiers."
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The chopper was carrying Chief of Defence Francis Ogolla and
nine other KDF officers who died in the crash at Sindar area, Kaben location,
Tot division, in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The other officers who succumbed to the crash include Brig
Swaleh Saidi, Col Duncan Keitany, Lt Col David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu (who was also the
pilot), Capt Sorah Mohamed, Capt Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinywa Mureithi, Sergent
Cliffonce Omondi and Sergent Rose Nyawira.
Following Ogolla's death, President William Ruto announced a
three-day national mourning period starting Friday, April 19, 2024.
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Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba also eulogized
Ogolla as a gallant soldier who made everything work. It is worth noting that
Ababu had sought out the services of KDF to repair some of the sports
facilities in the country.
"A fine son of Kenya. A fitting Chief of our Kenya
Defence Forces. I knew you up close. You were professional, humble, a patriot.
A good friend who made things happen. What a loss, what a national tragedy!
Salute, General," Ababu wrote.
KDF also supports Ulinzi Stars, a top-flight team in the FKF Premier League which has produced some prominent names in the country's football arena.
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