By Isaac Mutiso and Enock Nyankieya, Nairobi
President William Ruto has confirmed the death of Francis Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) today at 2.20pm at Sinar area in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
“Today at 2; 20 pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident at Sindar area, Kaben location, Tot division, in Elgeyo Marakwet County. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces,” said Ruto
He added: “The CDF, onboard the Kenya Air Force Huey Helicopter, had left Nairobi this morning, to visit troops deployed in the North Rift under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, and to inspect the ongoing school renovations works in several schools,”
“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 a period of 3 days of mourning commencing tomorrow 19th April 2024,”
Ruto said ‘this is a moment of great sadness for myself, as the Commander in Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, the Kenya Defence Forces fraternity and the nation at large’.
“Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant generals, gallant officers, service men and women. 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,” said Ruto
He added : “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 a period of 3 days of mourning commencing tomorrow 19th April 2024,”
Ruto appointed Ogolla on 28 April 2023 and had served for only a year in the position. The chopper that killed Gen Ogola belonged to the Kenya Air Force.
Ogola died with nine other military personnel namely Brg. Swaleh Said, Col. Duncan Keitun, Lt. Col. David Sawe, Mjr George Magonda who was the pilot, Capt. Sora Mohammed, Capt. Hillary Litali, John Kinyua, Sgt. Clifford Omondi and Sgt. Rose Nyawira.
Ruto has announced a three day mourning period starting tomorrow with flags remaining at half mast during the period.
Prior to this appointment General Francis Omondi Ogolla was the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces.
Gen Francis Omondi Ogolla joined the Kenya Defence Forces on 24 April 1984 and was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant on 6 May 1985 and posted to Kenya Air Force. He trained as a fighter pilot with USAF and as an instructor pilot at the Kenya Air Force (KAF).
He also trained in other fields including imagery intelligence, counter terrorism and accident investigation.
Gen Francis O Ogolla is a graduate of ÉcoleMilitaire de Paris and National Defence College of Kenya.
He holds a Diploma both in International Studies and Military Science from Egerton University, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Armed Conflict and Peace Studies (First Class Honors) and Masters of Arts in International Studies from the University of Nairobi.
He rose through ranks to become a Major General and appointed the Commander Kenya Air Force on 15 July 2018 a post he has served for three years.
Previously he has held various appointments in Training, Command and Staff including Deputy Commander Kenya Air Force, Base Commander Laikipia Air Base, Commanding Officer of Tactical Fighter Wing, and Chief Flying Instructor at Kenya Air Force Flying Training School and Operations Desk Officer at Kenya Air Force Headquarters.
He also served in the former Yugoslavia as an Observer and Military Information Officer from 1992 to 1993, as chairman of Military Christian Fellowship from 1994 to 2004 and co-Chair of Association of African Air Chiefs between 2018-2019.
