Kenyans will in the next three days mourn the death of their Military Chief, General Francis Omondi Ogolla.
General Ogolla died on Thursday alongside nine other senior military officials in a helicopter crash that went up in flames in Elgeyo Marakwet.
President William Ruto who confirmed Ogolla’s death said the plane carrying the General and 11 other commanders took off from a primary school in Elgeyo Marakwet shortly after 2pm. Witnesses said it went down at Kaben area shortly afterwards.
“I am deeply saddened to announce the passing on of the Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla Omondi. Following the demise of our gallant soldiers I declare three days of mourning during which flags will fly at half mast,” he said.
Among those who perished together with General Francis Ogolla are; Bregadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu, Captain Sora Mohammed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Seargent John Kinyua Mureithi, Seagent Cliphonce Omondi Seargent Rose Nyawira.
Kenya’s missions abroad will as well observe flying Kenya’s flag at half mast.
The President also announced that experts from the Kenya Air Force have been dispatched to the accident scene to commence investigations.
Earlier, the President convened an urgent National Security Council meeting.
General Ogolla, who took over from General Robert Kibochi in April 2023 when he was appointed by President Ruto, had a distinguished career spanning decades.
Ogolla served for barely a year perharps the shortest period in Kenya’s history.
Prestigious career
A fighter jet pilot by training, he joined the Kenya Defence Forces in April 1984 and was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in May 1985, starting his journey in the Kenya Air Force.
General Ogolla rose through the ranks, taking on various assignments. He underwent extensive training, including as a fighter pilot and instructor pilot with the United States Air Force, and received instruction in areas such as imagery intelligence, counter-terrorism, and accident investigation.
Ogolla held 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 Honours), and a Master of Arts degree in International Studies from the University of Nairobi. He as well acquired more education from prestigious institutions like the École Militaire de Paris in France and the National Defence College of Kenya.
Throughout his career, General Ogolla held various key positions, including Deputy Commander of the Kenya Air Force, Base Commander of 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.
General Ogolla’s leadership and expertise were instrumental in developing and implementing training programs and operational strategies that significantly enhanced the effectiveness of the Kenya Air Force and the Kenya Defence Forces.
