April 19, 2024: Top news events to look out for today
Here is what you need to know to get up to speed with today's happenings.
Nationwide mourning
Today marks the first day of mourning the departed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla who tragically lost his life alongside others during a chopper crash.
The three-day mourning period was declared by President William Ruto on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
Ruto also declared that the Kenyan flag will fly at half mast within the country and in the missions abroad.
"In honour of the life and the distinguished military career of the fallen general, who lost his life not just while in office, but in active military duty, the nation will observe 3 days of mourning commencing on Friday, April 19, 2024," Ruto said.
"The demise of General Ogolla is a painful loss to me, and certainly, the sorrow we all feel about his passing is shared by all the people of Kenya, and especially the KDF fraternity. A distinguished four-star general has fallen in the course of duty, and service to country."
Adding;
"I convey my deepest condolences to all families who are grieving this untimely loss and our mourning nation. May the Almighty Lord rest their souls in peace and grant their families fortitude at this time of deep sorrow. I also wish a quick recovery to the two injured soldiers in this accident."
General Ogolla, 61, died alongside other senior military officers in the helicopter crash that occurred in Chesegon, an area between West Pokot and Elgeiyo Marakwet.
Blackout
Kenya Power on Thursday announced a scheduled blackout that will affect three counties today.
In a statement, the utility firm confirmed that counties that will be affected include Nairobi, Machakos and Kiambu.
The named counties will experience an 8-hour blackout starting from 9 am to 5 pm.
"Good evening our esteemed customers, the following areas are scheduled for power interruption dated tomorrow (19/04/2024)," Kenya Power said.
In Nairobi, the blackout will affect part of Kariobangi South including Day Spring and adjacent customers.
Machakos areas that will be affected include; Kimutwa Sisters, Kwa Kazooo, Yaritza, Mbabane, Kyawalia, Kyamuthinza, Kitonyini, Muumandu, Luumbwa, Kivandini, Ngiini, Kee, Nyayo Girls, Malili kwa Kea, Kavyuni, Katuaa, Kamuuani, Malooni, Mutulani, Veve, Kasunguni, Iiyuni, Miiani, Mbuani, Thome, Kola and adjacent customers.
In Kiambu, the blackout will affect the whole of the Delmonte area and Salvation Army.
Parts of Delmote and Salvation Army that will be affected include; Delmonte Lagoon, Delmonte Hospital Village, Salvation Army Officers Training Collage, Salvation Army Quarries, Delmonte Dam 6, Gatwikira Village and adjacent customers.
