By Peter Ochieng
General Francis Ogolla is dead.
Until his demise in a plane crash on Thursday afternoon, Ogolla was the Chief of Kenya Defense Forces (CDF).
He assumed the role in early 2023, several months after William Ruto was sworn in as Kenya’s 5th President, in September, 2022.
While announcing Ogolla’s passing on during a briefing at State House Nairobi, Ruto said it was a sad day for the nation.
“Today at 2.20pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident in Elgeyo Marakwet. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing on of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of Kenya Defense Forces,” announced the Head of State.
“Together with him in the crash were 11 other gallant military personnel, 9 who also passed on with him, with only two survivors,” he added.
“The Chief of Defence Forces had left Nairobi this morning to visit troops deployed in the North Rift under the operation Maliza Uhalifu, and to also inspect the ongoing school renovation works. He departed Chesegon for the recruits training school in Uasin Gishu County where he was scheduled to inspect construction facilities at the institution. Unfortunately, the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff,” Ruto informed the country.
The President who doubles up as Commander in Chief of the Kenya Defense Forces said Ogolla’s death is a personal loss to him
“This is a moment of great sadness for me as the Commander In Chief of the KDF. It is a tragic moment for the KDF fraternity and it is an unfortunate day for the nation at large. Our mother land has lost one of her most valiant generals, we have also lost gallant officers, service men and women. The demise of General Ogolla is a painful loss to me and certainly the sorrow we all feel about this passing on is shared by all Kenyans and most especially the KDF fraternity.”
He announced a three day mourning period.
“In honour of the life and the distinguished military career of the fallen general who lost his life not just while in office but in active military duty, the nation will observe a period of 3 days of mourning commencing tomorrow the 19th April 2024. During this time of national mourning, the Kenya flag, the KDF flag, the EAC flag and flags of all formations of the military shall fly at half-mast in the Republic of Kenya and in Kenya Missions abroad.”
Before appointing him CDF, Ruto accused Ogolla of being among top security officers who tried to overturn his victory at the Bomas of Kenya, in August, 2022.
By appointing him CDF, Ruto said he had buried the hatchet with the General, who was at the time serving as deputy CDF.
