General Francis Omondi Ogolla, who is Kenya’s Chief of Defense Forces, recently passed away, find out more about his cause of death, biography, age, career, and more below
His tragic death has left the entire country in shock, as he was a well-known figure dedicated to serving his native country.
Who is Francis Omondi Ogolla as Kenya’s Chief of Defense Forces dies in helicopter crash, cause of death, biography, age, family and wife
Kenya's military chief, Gen Francis Omondi Ogolla, has died after a military helicopter crashed in the west of the country, the president has announced.
In a news conference, President William Ruto said it was a "tragic moment".
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Notably, Ogolla was among 10 people who died in the crash, while two others managed to survive.
Francis Omondi Ogolla bio and age
General Francis Omondi Ogolla was a veteran Kenyan military officer who was born on February 12, 1962. Ogolla served as the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) of the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) from April 2023 to April 2024. He was 62 years old at the time of his death.
The late General is survived by his wife Aileen Ogolla and their two children and a grandson and he holds a Diploma in International Studies and Military Science.
Military career
Ogolla joined the Kenya Defense Forces back in 1984 and later commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in May 1985. The veteran military officer first trained as a fighter pilot with the USAF and later as an instructor pilot at the Kenya Air Force (KAF). He eventually rose to the rank of Vice Chief of the Defense Forces before he got appointed Chief of the Defense Forces (CDF). In 2023, President William Ruto promoted Francis Omondi Ogolla to the rank of General.
Francis Omondi Ogolla passes away
Kenya’s Chief of Defense Forces, General Francis Ogolla just recently passed away yesterday, on Thursday afternoon, April 18, 2024. Following his death, the country’s spokesperson, Hussein Mohamed, stated on X:
President William Ruto ‘has convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council at State House Nairobi this evening following a Kenya Defence Forces’ helicopter crash this afternoon in Elgeyo- Marakwet County.”
Ogolla’s daughter, Lorna Omondi Ogolla, also came out on social media to confirm her father’s death, stating:
My father. Pursuer of excellence. Most empathetic and effective leader and statesman just went down in a chopper crash in West Pokot.”
She further added that her father passed away doing what he did best for the better part of the last 40 years, i.e. “trying to keep Kenya Safe.
Francis Omondi Ogolla cause of death
Francis passed away following a helicopter crash in West Pokot.
Tributes and condolences
Many renowned figures across Kenya have come out to state their condolences towards Ogolla. Kenyan President William Ruto, and his wife also came out to pay their tributes to Ogolla on social media, stating:
I am deeply saddened to learn of the demise of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). Our prayers and thoughts are with his wife, Aieleen Ogolla, and the family during this difficult time. We also remember the other families affected by this unfortunate accident and pray that God comforts and strengthens them.”
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