Francis Omondi Ogolla Biography
General Francis Omondi Ogolla (12 February 1962 – 18 April 2024) was a Kenyan military officer who served as the Kenya Defence Forces’ Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) from April 2023 to April 2024.
Francis Omondi Ogolla is a well-known lawyer, businessman, and philanthropist from Kenya.
He is renowned for his contributions to Kenya’s legal community as well as his work to empower young people through entrepreneurship and education.
Francis Ogolla Biodata
| Born | 12 February 1962 Nyanza Province, Kenya (today Siaya County) |
|---|---|
| Died | 18 April 2024 (aged 62) Sindar, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya |
| Allegiance |  Kenya |
| Service/ |
Kenya Air Force |
| Years of service | 1984–2024 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held |
|
In 1972, Francis Omondi Ogolla was created in Kisumu, Kenya. He was raised in a modest household and went to the neighborhood schools. He enrolled in Maseno School for his secondary studies after finishing his primary education. Later, he enrolled at the University of Nairobi to pursue a bachelor’s in law.
Francis Omondi Ogolla continued his education by enrolling in the University of London’s Master of Laws program after completing his undergraduate studies. Later, he graduated from the Kenya School of Law with a postgraduate law degree, allowing him to practice law in Kenya.
Francis Omondi Ogolla Early Career
Ogolla joined the Kenya Defence Forces in 1984. He began his career as a 2nd lieutenant in the Kenyan Air Force and received training as a fighter pilot with the US Air Force.
In 2018, he became Commander of the Kenya Air Force and later Vice Chief of Defence Forces.
He was appointed Chief of Defence Forces by President William Ruto after the retirement of General Robert Kariuki Kibochi in April 2023.
At the time, Ogolla’s appointment raised controversy after the head of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission accused him of being part of a national security council delegation that tried to influence the result of the 2022 general election against the eventual winner, Ruto, who defended Ogolla citing his qualifications.
Ogolla attended and graduated from the École Militaire de Paris, the National Defense College of Kenya, Egerton University, and the University of Nairobi.
He was honored with various awards, including Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (EGH) and Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS).
Education and Military Career
Since enlisting, he has developed into a well-known and admired soldier. On Rank, Francis has improved as well. He has had several positions in
- Training, Command, and Staff
- Deputy Commander Kenya Air Force,
- Base Commander 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.
After his performances, he worked as a military information officer and observer in the former Yugoslavia from 1992 to 1993.
- Also, he was a Chairman of Military Christian Fellowship from 1994 to 2004
- Co-Chair of Association of African Air Chiefs between 2018-2019.
Francis Omondi Ogolla Marriage & Wife
Major General Francis Ogolla and his wife Aileen have two children and one grandchild between them. The two-time father is reportedly a voracious reader and golf fanatic.
Francis Omondi Ogolla Ranks
As we previously mentioned, during his military service, he held a variety of posts. But in 2010, he was inducted into the National Defense College Hall of Fame and hailed as a formidable achiever for launching several significant Armed forces modernization initiatives intended to transform the Kenya Air Force into a modern force that is competitive with other modern air forces throughout the world, especially in Africa.
General Robert Kibochi, Chief of the Defense Forces, will be replaced by Major Lieutenant Ogolla.
Currently, Lieutenant General Ogolla was chosen in April 2023 to succeed Lieutenant General Franklin Mghalu, whose tenure as Vice Chief of the Defence Forces came to an end after 40 years of national service.
Francis Omondi Ogolla Legal Career
In 1998, Francis Omondi Ogolla started working as an advocate in Kenya. Before founding his own law company, Ogolla and Company Advocates, in 2005, he worked for several other businesses. His law practice, which focuses on corporate, intellectual property, and business law, is one of the top law firms in Kenya.
Francis Omondi Ogolla has worked as a lecturer at the University of Nairobi, where he has spent many years instructing law students, in addition to his private practice. He belongs to both the East Africa Law Society and the Law Society of Kenya.
Francis Omondi Ogolla Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy
Additionally a successful businessman and philanthropist, Francis Omondi Ogolla. He is the creator of Youth Ventures Limited, a business that trains and advises young businesspeople in Kenya. Through his business, he has given many young people the tools they need to launch and expand their businesses.
Francis Omondi Ogolla engages in charity endeavors in addition to his business endeavors. He founded the Ogolla Omondi Foundation, which offers grants to underprivileged students in Kenya. Initiatives for community development are also supported by organizations across the nation.
Francis Omondi Ogolla Death
Ogolla was killed in a helicopter crash on April 18, 2024, at 2:20 p.m. in Sindar, Elgeyo-Marakwet County. Nine other military personnel were killed, with two injured.
The Kenyan Air Force’s 53 Tactical Helicopter Squadron operated the Bell UH-1H Huey II aircraft.
The crash occurred while they were on a mission to reopen schools in the North Rift region following bandit attacks, as well as to inspect soldiers involved in stabilization operations.
President William Ruto declared three days of national mourning for his death, beginning on 19 April.
Condolences were also expressed by former president Uhuru Kenyatta, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and President of Somalia’s Jubaland State, Ahmed Mohamed Islam.
A memorial service was held for Ogolla in Nairobi on 20 April, followed by a state funeral in his hometown of Ngiya, Siaya County on 21 April.
General Francis Ogolla Social Media
Who is General Ogolla?
On April 29, 2023, General Francis Ogolla took the oath of office as Chief of Defence Forces.
How many children does Francis Ogolla have?
He married Aileen and has two children and a grandson.
Who is the wife of CDF Francis Ogolla?
NAIROBI, Kenya, May 9. On Tuesday, Aileen Ogolla, the wife of former Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Francis Ogolla, handed over the leadership of the Military Wives Association of Kenya (MWAK) to Grace Kahariri, the spouse of current CDF Charles Kahariri.
