Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja held a meeting with Joel Rabuku, son of late General Francis Ogolla in his office on Wednesday, August 21.

Rabuku presented the governor with a book edited by his late father ‘The Kenya Airforce Story 1964-2014’.

The book is the Golden Jubilee commemorative publication by the Kenya Airforce.

The late General Ogolla had signed the copy for the Governor before his death.

General Francis Ogolla and nine other senior KDF officers died in a tragic chopped crash in the Sindar area of Elgeyo Marakwet County on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

Ogolla leaves behind a widow, Aileen Kathambi Ogolla and two children; Lorna Achieng’ Omondi and Joel Rabuku Omondi Ogolla.

He also left behind a daughter-in-law, Muthoni Njenga Mwaura, and a grandson by the name Taji Mbarara.

His daughter Lorna did her secondary education at Kenya High School and later joined the highly-rated Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States.

With the International Gates Cambridge Scholarship, she pursued an MPhil in Management Science and Operations at the University of Cambridge in England.

Lorna has Masters’s Degree on Operations Specialization and Master’s degree in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University.

Lorna Ogolla has a remarkable career profile, serving in senior management positions like Head of Operational Excellence and DC Equipment Supply Chain at Google.

Before getting senior roles she started her career as a Research Assistant at MIT’s Department of Economics.

She also worked as a Senior Lead in Supply Planning at Google Data Centers.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has penned a touching tribute to their departed Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla.

In a post on their official social media accounts, KDF also shared the career journey of the late military boss.

They urged Kenyans to pray for his soul and those of the other military officers who died in the crash.

“Today, we lay to rest CDF Gen Francis Omondi Ogolla. Let us pray for his soul and for the souls of all our colleagues who left us following the air crash on Thursday, 18 April 2024,”

“We also pray for their families and the entire Kenya Defence Forces. We submit to the will of the Almighty Lord. May you rest in eternal peace until we meet again,” KDF posted.

WoK earlier reported on Ogolla’s son’s emotional tribute to his late father.

Paying tribute to his father at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata, during military honours and memorial service, Joel Omondi Rabuku said the casket containing his father’s body cost a mere KSh 6,800, reflecting the late CDF’s desire for simplicity even in death.

“The casket he’s lying in is a very simple mbao ambayo hata haijapigwa randa. I’ve just been told it cost Sh6,800. Hii mambo mingi ya casket ya ati sijui mtu mkubwa na expensive casket ya sijui one million. His essence and spirit are no longer with us. This is a body which he used to serve the country and now it’s finished. Even Jesus himself was wrapped in a sheet and put in a tomb,” he said.

General Francis Ogolla was among the 10 officers who died in a helicopter crash on Thursday, April 18 on the border between Elgeyo Marakwet and Uasin Gichu counties.

The others included Captain Hillary Litali, Captain Sora Mohamed, Colonel Duncan Keitany, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, Major George Benson Magondu, Brigadier Swale Saidi and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.

Late Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla’s family says the birthday celebration for his father will continue on April 20.

General Ogolla had planned to travel to the village in Alego Usonga Constituency, Siaya County to plan for his dad’s 100th birthday.

Sadly Ogolla died in a military helicopter crash in Elgeyo Marakwet on Thursday afternoon.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) boss will be buried by his will which outlined that, upon his death, he be laid to rest within 72 hours.

The burial will be preceded by a memorial service at his local church in Nduru.

Ogolla will be buried without a coffin but instead in a simple ritual burial similar to Muslim traditions, where he will be wrapped in a sheet.

This was the General’s last wish to relieve what he described as unnecessary pressure on his family.

The General’s death sent a shockwave of emotions with Kenyans led by leaders like President William Ruto expressing sorrow.

Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta among others also sent condolences to his family.

Other military officers who died in the crash were: Brigadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, and Major George Benson Magondu.

Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira were also confirmed dead.

Lorna Omondi Ogolla expressed her heartbreak after the death of her father Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla.

In a post on her LinkedIn account, she described her dad as a pursuer of excellence.

“My father. Pursuer of excellence. Most empathetic and effective leader and statesman just went down in chopper crash in West Pokot,”

“Doing what he did best for the better part of the last 40 years – trying to keep Kenya safe. One day I shall tell beautiful stories of how he taught with his actions and not with words. But today – I rush home to send him off to the great beyond,” Lorna said.

Here is a brief bio on Lorna Ogolla according to WoK.

Family life

Lorna has one brother, Joel Rabuku Omondi Ogolla and her mum is Aileen Ogolla.

Educational background 

Miss Ogolla did her secondary education at Kenya High School and later joined the highly-rated Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States.

With the International Gates Cambridge Scholarship, she pursued an MPhil in Management Science and Operations at the University of Cambridge in England.

Lorna has Masters’s Degree on Operations Specialization and Master’s degree in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University.

Career

Lorna Ogolla has a remarkable career profile serving in senior management positions like Head of Operational Excellence, and DC Equipment Supply Chain at Google.

Before getting senior roles she started her career as a Research  Assistant at MIT’s Department of Economics.

She also worked as a Senior Lead in Supply Planning at Google Data Centers.

Her impressive career has seen her also hold analyst jobs at Charles River Associates and Greylock McKinnon Associates.

General Francis Ogolla and nine other senior KDF officers died in a tragic chopped crash at the Sindar area of Elgeyo Marakwet County on Thursday, April 18.

First Lady Rachel Ruto has expressed her sorry after the death of General Francis Ogolla and other military officers in a helicopter crash.

Taking to her social media platforms, the First Lady offered prayers to Aieleen Ogolla, the general’s wife during the difficult time.

Rachel also shared a touching Bible verse dedicated to Ogolla and other departed military officers.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the demise of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). Our prayers and thoughts are with his wife, Aileen Ogolla, and the family during this difficult time,”

“We also remember the other families affected by this unfortunate accident and pray that God comforts and strengthens them. Psalm 34:18: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,” the First Lady posted.

WoK previously reported on the tragic chopper accident that occurred in the Sindar area, Keben location, Tot division, in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Among others who died in the crash were: 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.

Captain Mohamed Karro Sora has been hailed as a brave and diligent officer who had a promising future.

Sora died on Thursday, April 18 in a helicopter crash that also claimed the life of Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla.

The young captain was born in Helu, Moyale County. He had his primary and secondary school education at Helu and Moyale Secondary School.

He joined the Kenya Air Force as a cadet and pursued a degree at Kenyatta University earning a Bachelor of Science in Military and Security Studies.

Mohamed underwent elite helicopter training at Starlite Aviation Training Academy in Durban, South Africa.

Sora lost his father who was blind and he was the one who took care of his mother and siblings.

According to Eastleigh Voice, Sora spent all he had on his family he had no material things to show in life.

“He has been taking care of his mother and siblings in Moyale ever since he lost his blind father. He was more concerned about his family than himself so much that he has nothing material to show of his achievement in life,” a family friend is quoted.

His bravery and kindness were also seen in 2023 as a rescue pilot during the El Nino floods in Tana River where he rescued a pregnant woman stranded.

Captain Mohamed Sora will be buried on Friday, April 19 according to Muslim tradition.

WoK reported previously on President William Ruto announcing the death of Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla and nine other senior military officers in a tragic helicopter crash at the Sindar area of Elgeyo Marakwet County on Thursday, April 18.

Raila Odinga and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta are mourning Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla.

Ogolla died on Thursday, April 18 in a helicopter crash.

“Raila said it was a terrible day for Kenya and his wife Ida were deeply saddened and profoundly shocked by the passing of GENERAL FRANCIS Ogolla, the Chief of Defence Forces,”

“We join the nation in mourning his loss. Gen. Ogolla was a true patriot, a highly decorated soldier, and a consummate professional who served our country with unwavering dedication,” Raila’s statement read.

Uhuru Kenyatta said It is with great sadness he learnt of the tragic passing of General Ogolla and his untimely death in a helicopter crash is a significant loss for Kenya.

“The CDF was not only an accomplished military leader but also a devoted patriot who dedicated his life to serving and protecting our beloved country. His leadership, bravery, and unwavering commitment to duty have made a lasting impact on our armed forces and our nation as a whole,”

“As the Head of State, I had the privilege of serving with General Ogolla as Deputy Commander of the Kenya Air Force, Commander of the Kenya Air Force, and finally as Vice Chief of Defence Forces,” Uhuru said.

Uhuru also sent a message of condolence to the families of the other officers who died in the crash.

“May the memories of these exceptional military officers, who had a profound influence on our nation, bring you comfort and strength in this difficult time,” he concluded.

The other nine officers who died were: Brigadier Swaleh Said, Colonel Dancan Keitany, Lieutenant Col. David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu, Capt. Sora Mohammed, Capt. Hillary Litali, Snr Sgt John Kinyua Mureithi, Sgt. Cliffonce Omondi and Sgt. Rose Nyawira.

President William Ruto has confirmed the death of General Francis Ogolla.

Ogolla died after a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) helicopter crashed at the Kaben-Cheptulel border between Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties.

Ruto in a statement at State House shared his sadness on the passing of the General and other KDF officers in the crash.

“I’m deeply saddened to announce the passing on of Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla,” he said.

Ruto also named other officers who died in the crash, they were:  Brigadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu, Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.

The president announced three days of national mourning, beginning Friday, April 19, in honour of General Ogolla and nine others who perished in the crash.

Flags will fly at half-mast in respect for the departed officers.

“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,” Ruto said.

Investigations on the crash have begun with the Kenya Air Force team sent to the crash site.

WoK earlier reported on General Ogolla’s life and achievements as a fighter pilot to his rise as KDF boss.

Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Helicopter carrying Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla on Thursday, April 18 crashed at the Kaben-Cheptulel border between Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties.

The chopper was reportedly carrying nine people at the time it went down.

According to police, five occupants died while three survived.

The survivors were airlifted by a military chopper to hospital.

WoK has compiled a brief biography of the decorated General.

Ogolla joined the military on April 24, 1984, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on May 6, 1985.

He was posted to the Kenya Air Force and began his military career as a fighter pilot.

He trained as a fighter pilot and an instructor pilot with the United States Air Force and also received training in other areas, such as imagery intelligence, counter-terrorism, and accident investigation.

Educational background 

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 Honours), and a Master of Arts degree in International Studies from the University of Nairobi.

He also attended the École Militaire de Paris and the National Defence College of Kenya.

Family life

The general is married to Aileen and has two children.

General Francis Ogolla, Chief of the Defence Forces lead the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) family in congratulating Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) Hellen Obiri.

Obiri successfully defended her Boston Marathon title on Monday, April 15.

Based in Laikipia Air Base (LAB) Hellen Obiri showcased her remarkable talent once again as she clinched her second consecutive victory at the prestigious marathon.

In a message posted on the KDF website, General Ogolla praised Obiri saying her win was an inspiration to future generations.

“Congratulations to WO 2 Obiri on her victory, and may her triumph continue to inspire future generations of athletes and service personnel alike,” Ogolla is quoted.

The 34-year-old, pulled away from compatriot Sharon Lokedi, clocking 2 hours, 22 minutes, 37 seconds to become the first woman to repeat as champion since fellow Kenyan legend Catherine Ndereba who did the same in 2004 and 2005.

Obiri transitioned from middle to long-distance running just over a year ago.

She won the last two Olympic 5000m silver medals and moved up to the marathon in 2022.

Her trophy cabinet has three major titles:  Boston twice, New York City and is one of the favourites for the Paris Olympic marathon that will be held on the last day of the Games on August 11.

Obiri hopes to be included in the three-woman Kenyan team for the Olympics.