The General Coverage

It was on a normal Thursday, April 18, 2024, afternoon for my team and myself at The Kenya Times. We were in the middle of our weekly #editorial review meeting when scanty details of a chopper crash hit the #NewsDesk. ?

I allowed the two #journalists who had the alert to stay on top of things – #DOUBT the news then #VERIFY three times. They kept interrupting the meeting saying, CDF #FrancisOgolla was reportedly aboard the chopper that went down.

I refused to believe it, especially because of the #sensitivity of the CDF position and how such #news is broken.

Having been in the #newsroom during the death of the Late Presidents Daniel Moi and Mwai Kibaki, I knew it would take time to #confirm and break the news. ?

The temptation to have CDF Francis Ogolla in the title was too high. But I told my team not to succumb to it. We broke the #story: Top KDF Chiefs Feared Dead in Chopper Crash. One thing was clear, #police had #confirmed the crash and the deaths.

Why Verification Matters

The most challenging time to be in the #Newsroom as an editor is during breaking news. With #technology, #socialmedia and the proliferation of #citizenjournalism, the task is evolving each passing day. Not to mention the elephant in the room, #FakeNews.

At The Kenya Times, we believe that CREDIBILITY is the CURRENCY of the #profession. While it is important to be fast, we’d rather be second or third but get it right. We value and honor our audience because they trust our content.        

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Back to CDF Ogolla’s Coverage

We quickly dusted an article we had done earlier, about the General's hobbies, before rolling the tape, KDF Boss Francis Ogolla’s Life Outside Military - This was done by Lynn Linzer Kibebe . She stayed in the newsroom until late in the night coordinating the desk. She’s the gem of my dependable team.

After publishing Top KDF Chiefs Feared Dead in Chopper Crash, we readied ourselves for everything and anything. But we did not sit and wait. Apart from the #verification that was taking too long, I pulled the plug and allowed my team to pursue ‘anticipatory’ #content that would still make sense, whether the CDF was alive or dead. ?

The first was his #profile. CDF Ogolla: Pilot Who Defied Odds to Occupy Top Military Post. I assigned this to William Abala , the academician who fell in love with the Newsroom.

Things were moving fast, but nothing much was coming from State House: Ruto Rushes to State House After KDF Chopper Crash

I should have mentioned that by the time we were publishing the first story of the KDF #chopper, one of our super journalists Joy Kwama was already working on a draft just in case it was true that General Ogolla was dead. The draft waited for hours but finally went up. CDF Francis Ogolla Confirmed Dead

By the way, did you miss the President’s tense #speech at State House, confirming the death? Here we go: Ruto Announces CDF Francis Ogolla Death [FULL SPEECH]

We captured the last #moments of the General too: Last Moments of Late CDF Ogolla Before KDF Chopper Crash by Jason Ndunyu - Writing is in his DNA.

At the same time, we revisited President Ruto’s decision to #appoint Ogolla, despite the Bomas fiasco. Ruto had earlier accused Ogolla of trying to subvert the will of the people.

Why Ruto Appointed Francis Ogolla Chief of Defence Forces. This was done by Hinda Edwin - I enjoy working with this guy for many reasons, including his flawless writing. His copies give me easiest time.

Then we stumbled on the enviable and #decorated CV of Lorna A. Omondi Ogolla , the daughter of the Late General. She went to The Kenya High, MIT, Cambridge, and Stanford. Who does that? ?? Little-Known Details of CDF Francis Ogolla’s Daughter. Very #inspiring.

We also told the story of the survivor, Meet Survivor of KDF Chopper Crash That Killed CDF Ogolla

?Ogolla was a revered #pilot, who died in a chopper crash. This pricked our #instincts. What was the make, cost, and manufacturer of the killer helicopter?

Bell Huey: Details of Chopper General Ogolla Was Using & US Air Force History - this was done by our hawk-eyed Robinson Chiuri - such a disciplined guy with the right attitude.

Other Stories we covered:

• 5 Questions Raised Over Chopper Crash that Killed CDF Ogolla
• Eyewitnesses Recount Moments After KDF Chopper Crash at Kaben
• Family Reveals Why CDF Ogolla Will be Buried Within 72 Hours
• Why Was Francis Ogolla Inspecting Classrooms? Azimio Shoots 3 Critical Questions
• Ruto Reveals Details of Phone Call with Duale After KDF Chopper Crash
• Duale Reveals Details of General Ogolla’s Autopsy & Burial Arrangements
• EACC CEO Left with Egg on His Face After Ogolla Condolence Blunder
• Family Reveals Little Known Details of KDF Journalist Killed in Chopper Crash
• Ogolla’s Son Speaks on His Father’s Ksh 6K Casket, Makes Request to KDF [VIDEO]
• 3 Choices Ogolla Gave to Ruto After Bomas Drama as penned by Ian Magira - a man with the whole world to conquer.

However, I missed the services of our EPL Correspondent Annah Wekesa . By the time The General’s chopper went down, TKT’s Messi was also down with flu. Quick recovery. You have a great future ahead. I envy your mastery of sports and effortless writing.

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