The Final Salute: Life and Times of Fallen General Ogolla, Chief of the Defense Forces (CDF)


On Thursday 18th April, an ill-fated KDF chopper crashed in Elgeyo Marakwet County moments after taking off. The chopper burst into flames according to local media. On board were 12 military officers, among them was the military chief, General Francis Ogolla and a band of lower ranking officers namely: Brigadier Swaleh Said, Major General George Benson Magondu, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Captain Mohammed Karro Sora, Sergeant Cliphonse Omondi, Captain Hillary Litali, Sergeant Rose Nyawira, Senior Sergeant Kinyua Mureithi and Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe.

General Francis Ogolla sadly died in the crash plunging the country into a state of mourning. There were only two surviving officers of the tragedy. 

President William Ruto made the announcement later in the evening, following the tragic incident.

"Today at 2:20 pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident... I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of General Francis Omondi Ogolla," Ruto said in a press briefing that lasted less than four minutes. 


President Ruto during the press briefing at State House, Nairobi.

President Ruto who had called an urgent meeting of the National Security Council after news of the incident was reported, said nine other "gallant military personnel" on board were killed while two survived. 

Surrounded by senior military officials, President Ruto described the loss as deeply distressing for the country, emphasizing that the fallen soldiers were dedicated individuals fulfilling their duty. The announcement of General Ogolla's passing was made shortly after 8 pm local time.

President Ruto explained that the Chief of Defence Forces was conducting a mission in the North Rift region, which has been grappling with banditry. During the mission, the KDF visited Baringo, Turkana, and West Pokot as part of Operation Maliza Uhalifu, aimed at restoring stability in these volatile areas.

The aircraft carrying General Ogolla and 11 other military personnel crashed shortly after 2 pm local time. However, it was several hours before the president publicly announced the tragic event. Among the occupants, only two survived the crash and are currently receiving medical treatment at Forces Memorial Hospital.

President Ruto further revealed that General Ogolla had just concluded a visit to the region, where he had inaugurated newly renovated schools. The chief was en route to Recruit Training School in Eldoret when the accident occurred.

"We send our condolences to the affected families. In Gen. Ogolla's honor, the nation shall mourn for three days with the Kenyan flag, EAC flag and KDF flags all being flown half-mast," he added. 

He mentioned that the Kenya Air Force has sent a team to investigate the helicopter crash, which occurred in Elgeyo Marakwet county, approximately 250 miles northwest of Nairobi, the capital. Ruto stated that the air force Huey helicopter went down shortly after departing from Chesegon, where he and his group had been touring a school.

"A distinguished four-star general has fallen in the course of duty and in the service of the country," he stated. " Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant generals, gallant officers, service men and women."

Gen. Ogolla inspecting his last quarter guard yesterday before embarking on the killer flight.

Ogolla assumed the position of Chief of the Defence Forces in April of last year, following a period as deputy. Ruto informed reporters in May that despite Ogolla's involvement in efforts to challenge his narrow victory over opposition leader Raila Odinga in 2022, he still appointed him to the position. 

"When I looked at his CV, he was the best person to be general," Ruto said adding that his resolve went against the wishes of many.

The late General Francis Omondi Ogolla, former Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) of Kenya, leaves behind a distinguished legacy of dedicated service to his nation. Francis Ogolla was born February 12, 1962. Gen Ogolla held the highest military rank in Kenya until his passing and served as the primary military advisor to the President and Cabinet.

His career trajectory included significant milestones, starting with his appointment as Commander of the Kenya Air Force on July 15, 2018, a role he held for three years. In July 2021, he assumed the position of Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF).

Subsequently, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed as the Chief of Defence Forces on April 28, 2023. In 1995, Ogolla was chosen to enroll at the United States Air Force Command and Staff College in Alabama, from which he earned a master’s degree in military arts upon graduation. Ogolla's progression within the military ranks was consistent and impressive. He was promoted to the rank of Major in 1996, Lieutenant Colonel in 2003, Colonel in 2008, and Brigadier in 2014. General Ogolla's military journey began when he enlisted in the Kenya Air Force on April 24, 1984, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on May 6, 1985.

Throughout his career, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise, undergoing training as a fighter pilot and instructor pilot with the United States Air Force. Additionally, he received training in various specialized areas including imagery intelligence, counter terrorism, and accident investigation, further enriching his skill set and contributions to the military.


Successful YouTubers are Using this Tool to Excel. Check it Out!


Here are the highlights of his life:


CAREER

  • Sworn in as CDF on 29th April 2023
  • Promoted to General on 28th April, 2023
  • Promoted to Lt. General and appointed Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (2021) 
  • Promoted to Major General and appointed the Commander Kenya Air Force (2018)
  • Deputy Commander Kenya Air Force
  • Base Commander Laikipia Air Base 
  • Commanding Officer of Tactical Fighter Wing 
  • Chief Flying Instructor at Kenya Air Force Flying Training School
  • Operations Desk Officer at Kenya Air Force Headquarters 
  • Commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant on 6th May, 1985 and posted to Kenya Air Force
  • Joined the Kenya Defence Forces on 24th April, 1984

The Late General Ogolla with President William Ruto at a past event at State House, Nairobi.


 EDUCATION
  • Master of Arts in International Studies - University of Nairobi (UoN) 
  • Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Armed Conflict and Peace Studies - University of Nairobi 
  • Diploma both in International Studies and Military Science - Egerton University 
 
TRAINING
  • Fighter pilot with US Air Force Command and Staff College, Alabama 
  • Instructor pilot at the Kenya Air Force (KAF) 
  • Completed his studies at the École Militaire in Paris
  • Graduate of the National Defence College, Kenya
  • Imagery intelligence, counter terrorism and accident investigation
 
INTERNATIONAL ASSIGNMENT
  • Observer and Military Information Officer in the former Yugoslavia (1992-1993)

OTHER POSITIONS
  • Chairman of Military Christian Fellowship (1994-2004)
  • Co-Chair of Association of African Air Chiefs (2018-2019)
 
Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta remembered the gallant military leader. In his words: "The CDF was not only an accomplished military leader but also a devoted patriot who dedicated his life to serving and protecting our beloved country. His leadership, bravery, and unwavering commitment to duty have made a lasting impact on our armed forces and our nation as a whole." 




"As the Head of State, I had the privilege of serving with General Ogolla as Deputy Commander of the Kenya Air Force, and finally as Vice Chief of Defence Forces," he added.

"During this period of mourning, please accept my sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of the other officers of the ill-fated flight." 

Gen. Ogolla leaves behind a widow, Aileen, two children and a grandson. He had requested to be buried within 72 hours in a simple ceremony upon his demise. He will be laid to rest on 21st April at his Alego home in Siaya County. 


Valar Morghulis!




Subscribe to Follow our Open Forum Political Talk Show Here: Sound Candid Talk - Youtube

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Mwaura: DCI is Investigating Allegations Regarding Counterfeit Fertilizer

Image
The government is looking into allegations of counterfeit fertilizer following public outcry, as stated by Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura. Mwaura mentioned that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations has initiated an investigation into the purported counterfeit fertilizer. "I want to assure you that those found culpable of supplying not only the fertilizer but also any other form of fake farm inputs shall be apprehended and prosecuted," Mwaura said. He mentioned that the government's decision to provide subsidized fertilizer assists in protecting small-scale farmers from fluctuations in fertilizer prices. The government representative stated that the fertilizer identified as counterfeit is a commercially sold product under an agency agreement outside the NCPB system. "The product is not part of the GOK subsidized fertilizer availed to registered farmers," he said.  He mentioned that every fertilizer distributed through the Government Subsidized Program...
Read more

Enter Gen Z: Youthful Activists Flood Streets in Mass Protest Against 'Punitive' Tax Bill

Image
Picture Story... In a wave of youthful activism, swarms of Kenyan youth marched peacefully against the controversial Finance Bill, 2024, employing a blend of traditional and modern protest tactics including singing, dancing, tweeting, vlogging, and TikToking.  An AI depiction of the movement. This movement, marked by a carnival-like atmosphere and extensive use of technology, was a stark contrast to past demonstrations. Despite the peaceful nature of the protests, demonstrators faced teargas as 204 government-allied MPs voted to advance the bill to its second reading for further discussion. In opposition, 115 MPs voted against the bill and pledged to continue their fight. The protestors, part of a burgeoning movement, demanded a fairer fiscal system to address the hardships faced by ordinary Kenyans. Protesters in cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret used songs and social media hashtags like #OccupyEldoret to mobilize, carrying placards with messages like 'Zakayo mu...
Read more

Reason Why Maraga Team Want Separation of APs and Kenya Police at Senior Level

Image
Retired Chief Justice David Maraga handing over the report of the National Taskforce on Police Reforms to the president on November 16, 2023, at Statehouse, Nairobi. Some time at the beginning of the Kenya Kwanza administration in late 2022, President William Ruto established the National Taskforce on Police and Prisons Reforms chaired by former Chief Justice David Maraga.  Last year Maraga presented the report of the National Taskforce on Police Reforms at Statehouse Nairobi. The team sought reforms aimed at addressing major challenges bedeviling the police service. The reforms await implementation.  If implemented, there may soon be alterations in the responsibilities carried out by police officers, potentially impacting your safety after the team proposed separating the Kenya Police and Administration Police services in a massive restructuring operation. Prior to the enactment of the 2010 Constitution, the Administration Police primarily focused on administrative and protec...
Read more