The Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) has extended condolences upon the demise of Kenyan Chief of Defense Forces, General Francis Omondi Ogolla, and nine (9) others in a helicopter crash on Thursday, April 18th, 2024.
The fatal incident took place in the Sindar area of Elgeyo Marakwet County, barely a year after ascending to the position.
In a message sent out on behalf of the UPDF, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defense Forces, said Kenya and the entire East African Community (EAC) have lost an accomplished military general.
“We have learned with profound shock the demise of the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). Our hearts are with the bereaved families. We wish to register our heartfelt condolences to the KDF, the bereaved families, and the entire Kenyan nation upon the demise of these gallant officers,” reads part of the condolence message sent out on Friday, April 19, 2024.
In April last year, President William Ruto promoted General Ogolla to the rank of General and named him the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) boss, succeeding General Robert Kibochi, who retired after attaining the mandatory exit age of 62.
His appointment was in accordance with the ‘Tonje Rules,’ a rotational mechanism that governs the selection of the CDF.
Born on February 12, 1962, in Siaya County, General Ogolla graduated from the KDF as a cadet on May 2, 1984, rising to second lieutenant a year later before being posted to the Moi Air Base, where he trained as a pilot.
The CDF previously held senior positions of authority in the service, including Commanding Officer Laikipia Air Base Tactical Flight Wing (2007) as well as Base Commander Laikipa Air Base (2008–2014).
He was promoted to Brigadier on April 10, 2012, and subsequently appointed the Deputy Air Force Commander; on July 13, 2018, he was promoted to Major General and appointed Commander of the Kenya Air Force.
On July 23, 2021, Ogolla was promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed Vice Chief of the Defense Forces.
The military science graduate from École Militaire de Paris and the National Defence College of Kenya also held a diploma in International Studies and Military Science from Egerton University, 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.
He has previously received presidential awards such as Moran of the Golden Heart (MGH), Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS), and a Head of State Commendation.
