Just who was the late Gen. Francis Ogolla?

President William Ruto appointed General Francis Ogolla as the Chief of Defence Forces in April 2023, as part of military leadership changes.

Gen. Ogolla succeeded General Robert Kibochi, who retired upon reaching the mandatory exit age of 62.

President Ruto, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, promoted Gen. Ogolla to the rank of General before his appointment.

Before assuming this role, Gen. Ogolla served as the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces. He began his military career as a fighter pilot in the Kenya Air Force after joining the military in April 1984 and being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in May 1985.

Gen. Ogolla is a distinguished graduate of École Militaire de Paris and the National Defence College of Kenya. He holds 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 Masters of Arts in International Studies from the University of Nairobi.

Throughout his illustrious career, Gen. Ogolla held various significant positions, including Deputy Commander of the Kenya Air Force, Base Commander of 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.

In July 2021, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed as the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces.

Beyond his military duties, Gen. Ogolla is an avid golfer and enjoys reading. He is married to Aileen and has two children.

As the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Ogolla serves as the principal military adviser to the President and Cabinet. He upholds the Tonje Rules, which ensure a rotation system for leadership roles among the Army, Navy, and Air Force branches of the Kenya Defence Forces.

His extensive training includes courses in fighter and instructor piloting with the United States Air Force, as well as expertise in imagery intelligence, counter-terrorism, and accident investigation.