As Kenya enters into a three-day national mourning period today April 19, 2023 in honour of the fallen Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Francis Ogolla, all flags are required to fly at half mast in Kenya and Kenyan missions abroad.

Ogolla died in a plane crash on Thursday afternoon alongside 9 other military officers at Tot, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

“Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant generals, gallant officers, service men and woman. The demise of General Ogolla is a painful loss to me, and certainly, the sorrow we all feel about his passing is shared by all the people of Kenya, and especially the KDF fraternity,” President William Ruto said.

Rest In Peace General. pic.twitter.com/vrboG02PDf

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) April 18, 2024

Ogolla was named the new Chief of Defence Forces in changes in the military on April 28, 2023, taking over from Gen. Robert Kibochi who retired at 62.

General Ogolla, was born on February 12, 1962 in Siaya County. He was a graduate of ÉcoleMilitaire de Paris and the National Defence College of Kenya and later graduated from the KDF as a cadet on May 2, 1984.

He rose to second lieutenant a year later before being posted to the Moi Air Base where he trained as a pilot. The CDF had held senior positions of authority in the service previously, including Commanding Officer Laikipia Air Base Tactical Flight Wing (2007), as well as Base Commander Laikipa Air Base (2008-2014).

He was later promoted to Brigadier on April 10, 2012, and subsequently appointed the Deputy Air Force Commander. On July 13, 2018, he was promoted to Major General and appointed Commander of the Kenya Air Force.

July 23, 2021 he was promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces until April 2023 when the Ruto promoted him to the rank of General and appointed Chief of Defence Forces.

The CDF was also also a family man and was married to Aileenn Ogolla, and they were blessed with two children and a grandson.  Ogolla, in his life took a liking to playing golf and reading.

CDF is the highest-ranking military officer in the Kenya Defence Forces and the principal military adviser to the President of Kenya and the National Security Council.