Somalia army chief in Kenya's Defence Headquarters

NAIROBI, Kenya - General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhydin, the Chief of Defence Forces of the Somali National Army (SNA), visited yet against Kenya's Department of Defence as the East African nation mourns its Chief of Defence Forces, who died in a plane crash last week.

General Francis Ogolla was among the 10 soldiers who perished in the helicopter crash around Elgeyo Marakwet County, about 400 kilometres from the capital, Nairobi. He was visiting troops on the frontlines, serving in Operation Maliza Uhalifu.

General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyadin visited Defence Headquarters along with Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya Jibril Ibrahim Abdulle, in a routine friendly trip to express grief and gratitude to the Republic of Kenya, a major security partner of Somalia.

They conveyed heartfelt condolences to Lt General Charles Kahariri, the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces, and Honourable CS Aden Duale, EGH on behalf of Somalia. Kenya has played a key role in Somalia’s stabilisation journey.

"Today marked a poignant moment as I had the privilege of accompanying Somali Chief of Defence Forces Maj. General Ibrahim Sh. Muhyadin to offer condolences to the Kenyan Defence Forces," state media confirmed the trip by the two senior officials

"As Chief of Defence Forces, Muhyadin signed the condolence book, our hearts were heavy with respect and admiration for Gen. Ogolla," Ambassador Jibril remarked.

The helicopter crashed shortly after take-off on Thursday afternoon local time, killing Ogolla and nine other members of the military, Ruto said. Two people survived the crash, he added, and have since been transferred to Defence Forces Memorial Hospital for specialized treatment.

Currently, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops are helping Somalia in the fight against Al-Shabaab, a group which is fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia. The KDF troops are set to fully exit by the end of 2024 in line with the Somalia Transition Plan.

GAROWE ONLINE