Life of Late Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla
Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla was confirmed to have died in a chopper crash in Kaben, Marakwet East on Thursday
Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla was confirmed to have died in a chopper crash in Kaben, Marakwet East on Thursday.
Gen Ogolla was Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces until his passing and served as the principal military adviser to the President and Cabinet.
He was appointed as the Commander of the Kenya Air Force on July 15, 2018, and served in that role for three years.
Ogolla was named the new Chief of Defence Forces in changes in the military in April 2023.
He took over from General Robert Kibochi who departed after attaining the mandatory exit age of 62.
According to Ruto, Ogolla’s experience spanning over 39 years saw him promoted to the high office in the country’s military to replace Robert Kibochi who has retired.
“In considering your appointment, I assessed your background, where you have come from, what you have done, and your journey in the military, and I am satisfied that you made it to the office,” Ruto said then.
When he took over Gen Ogolla shouted his mission saying he would be “one force one mission.”
In July 2021, he was appointed as the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF).
Later, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed as the Chief of Defence Forces on April 28, 2023.
General Ogolla’s military career began when he joined the Kenya Air Force on April 24, 1984, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on May 6, 1985.
Over the years, he rose through the ranks, earning various promotions and taking on increasingly challenging assignments.
He trained as a fighter pilot and an instructor pilot with the United States Air Force and also received training in other areas, such as imagery intelligence, counter-terrorism, and accident investigation.
In terms of education, General Ogolla had a diverse academic background.
He held a Diploma in International Studies and Military Science from Egerton University, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Armed Conflict, and Peace Studies (First Class Honours), and a Master of Arts degree in International Studies from the University of Nairobi.
He also attended the École Militaire de Paris and the National Defence College of Kenya.
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General Ogolla held various appointments in training, command, and staff, including Deputy Commander of Kenya Air Force, Base Commander of Laikipia Air Base, Commanding Officer of Tactical Fighter Wing, Chief Flying Instructor at Kenya Air Force Flying Training School, and Operations Desk Officer at Kenya Air Force Headquarters.
He was instrumental in developing and implementing various training programs and operational strategies that enhanced the effectiveness of the Kenya Air Force and the Kenya Defence Forces as a whole.
Outside of his military career, Gen. Ogolla was also active in various organizations.
He served as the Chairman of the Military Christian Fellowship from 1994 to 2004 and co-Chair of the Association of African Air Chiefs between 2018 and 2019.
In his personal life, he was a golfer and enjoyed reading.
He was married to his lovely wife Aileen and had two children and a grandson.
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