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The Kenya football fraternity has stood behind Ulinzi Stars following the tragic death of KDF boss General Francis Ogolla and nine others with all local teams set to honour them.
Kenyan football family has joined the rest of the country in mourning the tragic demise of General Francis Ogolla, the Chief of Defence Forces, and nine other soldiers, following a place crash on Thursday.
General Ogolla and nine other KDF personnel met their untimely deaths when a helicopter they had boarded crashed just a few minutes after take-off following a security mission in Elgeyo Marakwet County, throwing the country into mourning.
With Football Kenya Federation Premier League side Ulinzi Stars being part of the KDF family, the deaths have hit Kenyan and the fallen soldiers will be honoured with a minute of silence before kick off in all local matches from April 19-29.
“Their untimely demise is a profound loss not only to the military fraternity but to the entire nation. 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,” FKF said via a statement.
“Their contributions extend beyond the boundaries of their duties, often extending to safeguarding events and gatherings, including our football matches.
“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.”
The FKF statement was in line with what Ulinzi had planned to do in honour of their departed colleagues.
“During our upcoming match on Sunday at Ulinzi Sports Complex against Tusker FC, we will honour the memory of General Ogolla and our other departed colleagues with a moment of silence. Their legacy and contributions will forever be remembered,” Ulinzi posted on social media.
Their next opponents Tusker also sent their message of condolence.
“To our brothers at Ulinzi Stars FC, the entire KDF family and the nation at large, we send our heartfelt condolences following the tragic loss of our Chief of Defense Forces, Gen Ogolla. May we all find comfort during this difficult period,” Tusker posted online.
Mashemeji derby rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, who will also clash on Sunday, were among those who joined their Ulinzi counterparts in mourning.
“We join the nation in mourning the loss of General Francis Ogolla, the Chief of Defence Forces, and the KDF team who had accompanied him. Pole sana to our Ulinzi Stars FC counterparts. May the souls of all those who have departed Rest In Peace,” was the message from Leopards.
“We join the nation in mourning the loss of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, and nine others. To our brothers at Ulinzi Stars FC pole sana. May you have courage and peace during this time of mourning,” Gor Mahia posted online.
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