Biography Of General Francis Ogolla

Late General Francis Omondi Ogolla was born on February 12, 1962, in Siaya County.

He was enlisted into the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) as an Officer Cadet on May 2, 1984, and commissioned as a second lieutenant on May 3, 1985, upon which he was posted to Moi Air Base, where he later trained as a pilot.

During his career in the Kenya Defence Forces, General Ogolla held several Command, Staff and Instructional appointments. In command, he was the Commanding Officer of Laikipia Air Base Tactical Flight Wing in 2007 and also Base Commander at Laikipa Air Base from 2008 to 2012.

Upon promotion to Brigadier on April 10, 2012, he was appointed the Deputy Air Force Commander and later on promoted to Major General on July 13, 2018 and appointed Commander Kenya Air Force.

On July 23, 2021, he was also promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces, a position he held till April 28, 2023, when he was promoted to the rank of General and appointed Chief of the Defence Forces.

Due to his dedication to service, the late General Francis Omondi Ogolla was awarded several medals among them; Moran of the Golden Heart (MGH), Elder of the Burning Spear, and Head of State Commendation among others.

General Francis Omondi Ogolla leaves behind a widow, Mrs Aileen Kathambi Ogolla and two children; Lorna Achieng’ Omondi and Joel Rabuku Omondi Ogolla. He also leaves behind one daughter-in-law; Muthoni Njenga Mwaura and a grandson by the name Taji Mbarara.