Kenyan football, along with the entire nation, will come together to honor and remember Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Francis Ogolla and his fellow Kenya Defence Forces members who tragically lost their lives in a plane crash on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
As Ulinzi Stars, a prominent team in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League and a part of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) family, mourns the tragic loss of its members, the impact of these deaths resonates deeply across Kenya.
In a solemn tribute to the fallen soldiers, all local matches from April 19 to April 29 will commence with a minute of silence before kick-off, symbolizing the nation’s heartfelt respect and remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This gesture underscores the unity and solidarity within the Kenyan football community, standing in solidarity with the KDF during this period of mourning.
Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, fierce rivals in the Mashemeji derby and set to face each other on Sunday, stood in solidarity with their Ulinzi Stars counterparts during this time of mourning. The tragic loss experienced by the Ulinzi family was felt deeply by both clubs, underscoring a moment of unity and shared grief amidst the competitive spirit of the upcoming match.
TRANSITION
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 @UlinziStarsFC counterparts.
May the souls of all those who have departed Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/U7PhPmQYOI— AFC Leopards SC (@AFCLeopards) April 19, 2024
This display of solidarity reflects the broader ethos of sportsmanship and camaraderie that extends beyond rivalry, highlighting the significance of honoring the fallen soldiers across the Kenyan football landscape.
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 @UlinziStarsFC pole sana
May you have courage and peace during this time of mourning🟢⚪️ pic.twitter.com/5QARdyZeKr— Gor Mahia FC Ke (@gormahiafcke) April 19, 2024
Bandari also extended their heartfelt condolences to his family friends and the entire nation
As Kisure Sports Team Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Ogolla Family and the entire Nation during this difficult time.
RIP Honor Gen. Francis Ogola
