Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla passed away in a helicopter crash in the Sindar area of Elgeyo Marakwet County, just a year after his appointment to the position.
In April last year, President William Ruto elevated General Ogolla to the rank of General and designated him as the head of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), succeeding General Robert Kibochi upon his retirement at the age of 62.
General Ogolla’s selection followed the ‘Tonje Rules,’ a rotational protocol dictating the appointment of the CDF.
President Ruto’s choice was necessitated by the need for diversity in leadership, transitioning from General Kibochi’s Army background to General Ogolla’s from the Kenya Air Force.
Born on February 12, 1962, in Siaya County, General Ogolla commenced his military journey as a cadet, graduating on May 2, 1984.
His early years saw him rise swiftly to the rank of second lieutenant before undergoing pilot training at the Moi Air Base.
Throughout his career, General Ogolla held various prestigious positions within the KDF.
Notable among these were his roles as Commanding Officer of the Laikipia Air Base Tactical Flight Wing from 2007 and later as Base Commander of Laikipia Air Base from 2008 to 2014.
His ascent continued with promotions to Brigadier in 2012, Deputy Air Force Commander, and ultimately to Major General in 2018, where he assumed the command of the Kenya Air Force.
In recognition of his accomplishments, Ogolla was promoted to Lieutenant General in July 2021 and appointed as the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces before his elevation to the highest military post as CDF in April 2023.
Apart from his military achievements, General Ogolla was academically accomplished, holding qualifications from prestigious institutions such as École Militaire de Paris and the National Defence College of Kenya.
His educational portfolio included diplomas and degrees in International Studies, Military Science, Political Science, Armed Conflict, Peace Studies, and International Studies.
Additionally, General Ogolla was a recipient of several presidential awards, including the Moran of the Golden Heart (MGH), Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS), and a Head of State Commendation.
In his passing, General Francis Ogolla leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to his country that will be remembered for years to come.
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