The news of the demise of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Omondi Ogolla sent shockwaves across the country for a better part of Thursday, April 18, 2024.
Ogolla tragically lost his life alongside nine other military officials in a helicopter crash in Sindar area, Kaben location, Tot division, in Elgeyo Marakwet county.
Tributes from all over the world poured in for the general who died in the line of duty as he was leading his team to restore peace in the North Rift region.
As the nation comes to terms with his demise, here are a few interesting things about the gallant military chief gathered from various research points.
Various military operations
At the helm of Defence, Ogolla has served in various military operations such as Somalia where he served as part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). He has also served in South Sudan as part of the United Nations Mission (UNMISS).
Joined Kenyan military in 1984
He joined the military as a cadet officer on April 24, 1984, and was later commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on May 6, 1985.
Served as Kenya Air Force pilot
Ogolla is a US Air Force-trained fighter pilot and served as a Kenya Air Force pilot.
Accolades
Throughout his stint in the Kenyan military, Ogolla received several military awards and recognitions including the Order of the Burning Spear (OBS), the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (EGH), the African Union medal and the United Nations Medal for Peace.
Born in Elgeyo Marakwet
He was born in Elgeyo Marakwet County on February 12, 1962.
Controversial appointment
Although he had to be appointed to the CDF post, the appointment was deemed controversial after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) accused him of being involved with a national security council that is said to have attempted to manipulate the 2022 general election.
First-class student
He scored a First Class Honours in his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Armed Conflict, and Peace Studies at the University of Nairobi. From the same institution, Ogolla holds a Master of Arts degree in International Studies.
He also holds a Diploma in International Studies and Military Science from the Egerton University. The KDF chief also attended École Militaire de Paris and the National Defence College of Kenya.
Religious
Ogolla has strong religious ties having served as the chairman of the Military Christian Fellowship from 1994 to 2004.
He also built Masumbi ACK church in his hometown area and sponsored orphans and students in Masumbi area.
40th anniversary
Ogolla passed away just six days before his 40th anniversary in the military.
Family
He was married and had two children and a grandchild.
