Francis Ogolla Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Wife, Family, Salary, Education Background, Tribe, Place of Birth

Francis Ogolla Biography – Francis Ogolla Wiki

Francis Ogolla was the Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) of Kenya until his death on 18 April 2024. He was appointed on 28 April 2023. He replaced General Robert Kibochi who departed after attaining the mandatory exit age of 62. Prior to his appointment, he was the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces.

General Ogolla joined the Kenya Defence Forces on 24 April 1984 and was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant on 6 May 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). He also trained in other fields including imagery intelligence, counter terrorism and accident investigation.

Gen Ogolla is a graduate of ÉcoleMilitaire de Paris and National Defence College of Kenya. He holds 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 15 July 2018 a post he has served for three years. Previously he has 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.

He also served in the former Yugoslavia as an Observer and Military Information Officer from 1992 to 1993, as chairman of Military Christian Fellowship from 1994 to 2004 and co-Chair of Association of African Air Chiefs between 2018-2019.

Francis Ogolla Education Background

He graduated with a Diploma 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 a Master of Arts in International Studies from the University of Nairobi.

Francis Ogolla Age

Francis Ogolla was 61 years old. He passed away on 18 April 2024.

Francis Ogolla Wife

General Francis Ogolla is married to his wife Aileen Ogolla, the chairlady of the Military Wives Association Kenya (MWAK).

Francis Ogolla Family

Francis Ogolla and his wife, Aileen Ogolla, have two children and a grandson. His daughter, Lorna A. Omondi Ogolla, said: “My father. Pursuer of excellence. The most empathetic and effective leader and statesman just went down in a chopper crash in West Pokot. Doing what he did best for the better part of the last 40 years – trying to keep Kenya Safe. One day I shall tell beautiful stories of how he taught with his actions and not with his words.”

Francis Ogolla Death

Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla died in a chopper crash in Kaben, Marakwet East on Thursday, 18 April 2024. He was 61.

H.E. Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, C.G.H 4th President of the Republic of Kenya, paid tribute to General Francis Ogolla: “It is with great sadness that I have learned of the tragic passing of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of Defence Forces of Kenya. His untimely demise in a helicopter crash at the Kaben-Cheptulel border between Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties, is a significant loss for our nation.

The CDF was not only an accomplished military leader, but also a devoted patriot who dedicated his life to serving and protecting our beloved country. His leadership, bravery, and unwavering commitment to duty have made a lasting impact on our armed forces and our nation as a whole.

As the Head of State, I had the privilege of serving with General Ogolla as Deputy Commander of the Kenya Air Force, Commander of the Kenya Air Force, and finally as Vice Chief of Defence Forces.

During this period of mourning, please accept my sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of the other officers of the ill-fated flight.

May the memories of these exceptional military officers, who had a profound influence on our nation, bring you comfort and strength in this difficult time.”