The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Francis Omollo Ogolla, has died. This is after the chopper he was travelling in alongside 11 other officials crashed in Kaben, Marakwet East, Elgeyo Marakwet County, on Thursday, 18 April 2024.
The 11 other military officers who succumbed to thatal crash were named;Brigadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu (Pilot), Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.
CDF Ogolla’s death was announced by President William Ruto on the evening of Thursday, 18 April 2024 after a crucial defence meeting held for hours at statehouse. President Ruto announced three days of national mourning following the tragic passing of the CDF.
Ogolla was named the new CDF in the military changes on April 2023, taking over from his predecessor General Robert Kibochi who retired after attaining a mandatory retirement age of 62. Ogolla is the first CDF to die while in office. He has passed on at the age of 61.
The late Ogolla’s family is working with a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) committee to give the distinguished General a proper send-off. He will be laid to rest at his home in Mor, Alego Usonga, Siaya County on Sunday, 21 April 2024.