- The President announced that the national flag would be flown at half-mast for three days as a tribute to the fallen general.
On April 18, 2024, President William Ruto delivered a solemn address to the nation, declaring a period of national mourning to honour the death of the Chief of Defense Forces, General Francis Omondi Ogolla.
The President announced that the national flag would be flown at half-mast for three days starting April 19, 2024 as a tribute to the fallen general.
“The nation will observer a period of three days of mourning commencing on April 19, 2024. During this time of National mourning, the Kenyan flag, the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) flag, the East African Community (EAC) flag and flags of all formation of the military shall fly at half-mast in the Republic of Kenya and in Kenya missions abroad,” he said.
General Ogolla, who lost his life in a tragic air accident, was not only a dedicated military officer but also a distinguished four-star general. President Ruto expressed his deep sorrow and described the loss as painful for himself, the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) fraternity, and the entire nation.
"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. A distinguished four-star general has fallen in the course of duty and service to country," the head of State added.
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The air accident occurred at the Sindar area, Kaben location, Tot division in Elgeyo Marakwet County at approximately 2:20 pm. Tragically, General Ogolla and 11 other military personnel were on board the Kenya Airforce Huey Helicopter, resulting in the loss of nine lives. Two individuals survived the crash.
President Ruto offered his condolences to the families affected by this untimely loss and extended his wishes for a speedy recovery to the two injured soldiers currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
He also stated that the Kenya Airforce has dispatched an air investigation team to determine the cause of the crash.
“I convey my condolences to all the families grieving this untimely loss. May God rest their souls in peace. I also wish quick recovery to the 2 injured soldiers in this accident; who are now in hospital,” he said
General Ogolla had been on a working tour, visiting troops deployed in the North Rift under Operation Maliza Uhalifu.
Additionally, he had planned to inspect the renovation work at several schools, including Chesitet Primary School, Cheptulel High School, Cheboton Primary School, Ksaa Primary School, and Saplimoi Primary School. The Chief of Defense Forces had received security briefings and addressed the troops, commending their resilience and success.
The general, appointed Chief of Defense Forces in April 2023, had succeeded General Robert Kibochi. Throughout his career, he held various positions and earned several qualifications, including graduating from École Militaire de Paris and the National Defense College of Kenya.
He also obtained 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.
As Chief of Defense Forces, General Ogolla served as the highest-ranking military officer in the Kenya Defense Forces and acted as the principal military adviser to the President of Kenya and the National Security Council.
He led and coordinated the efforts of the Service Commanders, which included the CDF, the Commanders of the Kenya Army and Air Force, the Kenya Navy, and the Commandant of Military Intelligence.
General Ogolla is survived by his wife, Aileenn Ogolla, two children, and a grandson. He was known for his passion for reading and playing golf, among other hobbies.
