Lloyd Austin III expressed condolences on behalf of the US Department of Defense, emphasizing Kenya’s importance as a partner to the United States.

Secretary Austin recalled his meeting with General Ogolla in September, acknowledging the significance of the partnership between the US and Kenya.

He noted that General Ogolla will be greatly missed.

“On behalf of the Department of Defense, I send my deepest condolences to the people of Kenya and the Kenya Defence Forces on the tragic death of Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla,” Austin said.

“We also mourn the loss of his teammates who died Thursday when their military helicopter crashed,” he added.

Austin said that Kenya is a stalwart partner of the United States and the Department adding that his September visit made him see the importance of the partnership between the two countries.

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan highlighted General Ogolla’s contribution to promoting the strategic relationship between Kenya and the United States.