WHO WAS GENERAL FRANCIS OGOLLA THE CHIEF OF DEFENSE FORCES ?
Ogolla was chosen as the new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), and President William Ruto explained his decision. Ruto claims that Ogolla was elevated to the country's highest military rank to succeed the retired Robert Kibochi, thanks to his extensive 39-year tenure.
General Francis Ogolla, the Chief of Defense Forces, passed away, and the country is still processing his loss.
On Thursday, it was verified that Ogolla had perished in a helicopter crash in Kaben, Marakwet East.
In April 2023, Ogolla was appointed as the next Chief of Defence Forces following reforms within the armed forces.
General Robert Kibochi, who left after reaching the required retirement age of 62, was replaced by him.
General Ogolla was the Defence Forces' vice chief before his appointment.
Gen. Ogolla attended the National Defense College of Kenya and École Militaire de Paris.
He holds degrees from the University of Nairobi's Master of Arts in International Studies, Egerton University's Diploma in International Studies and Military Science, and First Class Honors from the University of Nairobi's Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Armed Conflict and Peace Studies.
After rising through the ranks to become a Major General, he was named the Kenya Air Force Commander on July 15, 2018, and he has been in that position for three years.
His prior positions included that of Base Commander at Laikipia Air Base, Deputy Commander at Kenya Air Force, and Commanding Officer of Tactical Fighter Wing, among others in the fields of training, command, and staff.
Additional roles included Chief Pilot at Kenya Air Force Flying School and Desk Officer for Operations at Kenya Air Force Headquarters.
In addition, he was an observer and military information officer in the former Yugoslavia from 1992 to 1993. From 1994 to 2004, he chaired the Military Christian Fellowship, and from 2018 to 2019, he co-chaired the Association of African Air Chiefs.
He has two children and a grandson from his marriage to Aileenn Ogolla.
Ogolla enjoys reading and playing golf as pastimes.
As the chief military advisor to the President of Kenya and the National Security Council, CDF has the highest rank among the Kenya Defence Forces' military officers.
Leading the meetings and directing the activities of the Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force, Kenya Navy, and Commandant of Military Intelligence, he was the Service Commander.
Ogolla was chosen as the new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), and President William Ruto explained his decision.
Ruto claims that Ogolla was elevated to the country's highest military rank to succeed the retired Robert Kibochi, thanks to his extensive 39-year tenure.
"In considering your appointment, I assessed your background, where you have come from, what you have done, and your journey in the military, and I am satisfied that you made it to the office," Ruto stated at that time.
Gen. Ogolla declared his intention to lead "one force, one mission" as soon as he assumed command.
"My clarion call is for one force, one mission. We shall be one force knit together with one purpose of providing Defence and remaining true to our motto of Ulinzi Daima," he said.
He stated that as part of his goal, he will keep collaborating closely with other security agencies inside a larger multi-agency framework to ensure the safety, security, and stability of the nation and its citizens to promote sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
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