President William Ruto has confirmed the death of Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla.
While making the announcement, President William Ruto expressed his remorse to the families of the CDF and other officers who passed on in an air crash.
“Today at 2:20 pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident in Elgeyo Marakwet County. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing on of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
“Together with him in the crash were 11 others military personnel, nine who also passed on with him and two survivors,” announced Ruto.
Ogolla has passed away at the age of 61 and is survived by a wife and two children.
The CDF was involved in a chopper accident while on a tour in West Pokot County on Thursday, April 18, 2024. According to police reports, Ogolla was in the chopper alongside several other senior Kenya Defense forces (KDF) officers.
Preliminary reports indicated that the chopper crashed in the area of West Pokot County while preparing to take off with 12 people on board.
The cause of the accident had not yet been established by the time of publishing this article.
CDF Francis Ogolla took command of the military in early May 2023 when former General Robert Kibochi retired after 44 years of military service.
He also served as the principal military adviser to the Head of State and his Cabinet.
Also Read: CDF Ogolla: Pilot Who Defied Odds to Occupy Top Military Post
The Decorated Career of CDF Ogolla
The veteran senior officer in the Kenya Defence Forces began military service in 1984 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1985.
After he was assigned to the Air Force, Francis Ogolla began his career as a fighter pilot, undergoing training with the United States Air Force.
Further, he specialized as a fighter and instructor pilot, and received instruction in imagery intelligence, counterterrorism, and accident investigation.
Because of his commitment and determination towards his career advancement, the officer steadily progressed through the military hierarchy, earning multiple promotions over the years.
On April 28, 2023, President William Ruto promoted Francis Omondi Ogolla to the rank of General and appointed him Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF).
Also Read: Top KDF Chiefs Feared Dead in Chopper Crash
Life Outside the Military
In a past interview, the CDF stated that he was a family man who enjoyed doing other things during his free time including reading.
In addition, he said that he loved playing golf but had to stop when he was appointed Chief of Defence Forces.
“I used to love golf, but the day I was appointed the Chief of Defence Forces I kept my golf clubs aside and decided to focus on this job wholeheartedly,” Ogolla stated.
Furthermore, the general noted that he went for a run twice a week with soldiers for fitness purposes and enjoyed spending at least two to three hours a day alone to reflect.
He was married to Aileen Ogolla and the couple was blessed with two children.
