AFP Debunks False Claims of Helicopter Crash Involving Kenya’s Former Chief of Defence Forces
Agence France-Presse (AFP), a French international news agency and global fact checker, clarified an image circulating online of a helicopter allegedly responsible for the death of Kenya’s former Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla.
AFP stated that social media users mistakenly identified a Russian military helicopter as the aircraft involved in the crash carrying military officers in Sindar, Elgeyo Marakwet.
The misinterpreted video showed a military helicopter flying around a specific area before departing.
Upon investigation, AFP found that the helicopter in question was a Russian Ka-52 attack helicopter.
The report clarified that the video of the mistaken helicopter was originally shared on social media two weeks before General Ogolla’s death.
The video was first uploaded to Instagram on March 31, 2024, with the caption stating it was a Russian Air Force Ka-52 Alligator launching unguided rockets in Ukraine.
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The video was also posted on TikTok on April 18, 2024, and has been shared over 3,300 times on the platform.
Further investigation confirmed the helicopter that crashed in Sindar, Elgeyo Marakwet, and resulted in the death of CDF Ogolla was a Bell UH-1H Huey II.
The Bell UH-1H Huey II helicopter is a versatile aircraft used for troop transport and search and rescue missions.
General Ogolla’s death was announced by President William Ruto on April 18, stating the helicopter crash took place with 11 passengers on board, 9 of whom, including the General, perished.
“Today at 2:20 pm, our nation experienced a tragic air accident in Sindar, Keben, Elgeyo Marakwet County. It is with great sadness that I report the passing of General Francis Omondi Ogolla,” Ruto announced.
Ruto added that Ogolla was on a Kenya Air Force Huey Helicopter traveling to the North Regions to inspect schools affected by banditry.
AFP Debunks False Claims of Helicopter Crash Involving Kenya’s Former Chief of Defence Forces