Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla was confirmed dead on Thursday April 18, 2024 after he was involved in a plane crash in Elgeyo Markwet County.
His death was announced by President William Ruto during a media briefing at State House, Nairobi.
Speaking during the press briefing, President Ruto also declared three days of mourning the death of General Ogolla, starting Friday April, 19, 2024.
Others who perished during the plane crash incident in Elgeyo Markwet include Brigadier Said, Col. Keitany, Captain Sora, Sergeant Omondi, Captain Litali, Sergeant Nyawira and Lt. Col. Sawe.
Ogalla died at the age of 61 years after serving as Chief of Defence Forces for one year, after he was appointed by president William Ruto on April 28, 2023.
According to witnesses of the accident, the plane burst into flames on crashing.
Confirmed reports indicate that there was only one survivor believed to be a photographer.
General Ogolla and other senior military officers were surveying the area ahead of the planned deployment of more troops to battle cattle rustlers in the region.
He took over the position from Robert Kibochi who retired after 44 years in the military.
“His Excellency Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, pursuant to Section 9 (2). (a) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, has today promoted Lieutenant General Francis Omondi Ogolla to the rank of General and appointed him Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF).
“General Francis Omondi Ogolla replaces General Robert Kariuki Kibochi whose term of service has honorably come to an end after 44 years of an illustrious military career,” read the statement in part.
General Francis Ogolla’s swearing in ceremony and investiture of ranks was held on April 29, 2023 at State House, Nairobi.
Prior to his appointment, General Francis Ogolla was the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces.
General Ogolla joined the Kenya Defence Forces on April 24, 1984 and was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant on May 6, 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).
General Ogolla is a graduate of École Militaire 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 July 15, 2018, a post he served for three years.
Previously, he 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, Chief Flying Instructor at Kenya Air Force Flying Training School and Operations Desk Officer at Kenya Air Force Headquarters.
