Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla tragically passed away on Thursday in a helicopter crash in the Sindar area of Elgeyo Marakwet County, just a year after assuming the prestigious position.
President William Ruto elevated General Ogolla to the rank of General and appointed him as the head of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in April last year, succeeding General Robert Kibochi upon his retirement at the age of 62.
General Ogolla's appointment followed the 'Tonje Rules,' a rotational system governing the selection of the CDF, where President Ruto was obligated to appoint him due to his previous role as the Kenya Air Force Commander, following General Kibochi's Army background and his predecessor, General Samson Mwathethe, from the Navy.
Born on February 12, 1962, in Siaya County, General Ogolla began his military journey graduating as a cadet from the KDF on May 2, 1984, and swiftly rose through the ranks, initially as a second lieutenant before specializing as a pilot at the Moi Air Base.
Throughout his illustrious career, General Ogolla held various high-ranking positions, including Commanding Officer of Laikipia Air Base Tactical Flight Wing (2007) and Base Commander of Laikipia Air Base (2008-2014).
Promoted to Brigadier in 2012, he later served as Deputy Air Force Commander before his elevation to Major General and subsequent appointment as Commander of the Kenya Air Force in 2018.
In July 2021, General Ogolla was further promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed Vice Chief of the Defence Forces until his ultimate promotion to General and assumption of the CDF role in April 2023.
A graduate of the École Militaire de Paris and the National Defence College of Kenya, General Ogolla held a diploma in International Studies and Military Science from Egerton University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Armed Conflict, and Peace Studies, and a Masters of Arts in International Studies from the University of Nairobi.
His exceptional service to the nation was recognized through various presidential honors, including the Moran of the Golden Heart (MGH), Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS), and a Head of State Commendation.
You may also like
Category: News
Related Video: Dolly Parton’s Family Announces Her Passing in Emotional Tribute
Related Explainer: Fact Check: Did elephants save people during Nepal’s floods?
Facebook
Twitter / X
WhatsApp
LinkedIn
Telegram
Reddit