In a somber ceremony on Saturday, 20th April 2024, Kenyan President William Ruto led the nation in mourning the tragic loss of General Francis Ogolla, the country’s Chief of Defence Forces, who perished in a helicopter crash along with other esteemed patriots.
Expressing deep sorrow and paying tribute to General Ogolla’s exemplary service, President Ruto highlighted the profound impact of the General’s leadership within the Kenya Defence Forces.
He praised General Ogolla’s dedication, professionalism, and selflessness, emphasizing the significant contributions the General made to the strength and security of the nation.
Reflecting on his personal connection with General Ogolla, President Ruto described him as one of the finest public servants he had encountered, expressing admiration for the General’s commitment to duty and community service.
He noted that General Ogolla’s passing leaves a void not only in the military but also in the hearts of all who knew him.
President Ruto extended condolences to the families of all the officers lost in the tragic accident, acknowledging the nation’s collective grief and offering prayers for comfort and solace during this difficult time.
The state funeral served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by dedicated servicemen like General Francis Ogolla, whose legacy of service and leadership will continue to inspire generations of Kenyans.
President William Ruto reveals the events that led to the appointment of General Francis Ogolla as Chief of Defence Forces
When it came time for me to make a decision on the next CDF, it was not an easy decision as it should; it’s always a decision of many balances.
All the recommendations I got on the next CDF, and all the advice I got did not include Ogolla’s name, unfortunately, but he was a military officer with a distinguished career.
There was only one problem, the events of August 15, 2022, at the Bomas of Kenya and so I asked Ogolla for a meeting and had a one-on-one, man-to-man, come-to-Jesus meeting with him and when we concluded the meeting he said the following ‘Mr President I have no defence. I will not try to defend myself, it was wrong what happened and you have three choices, either send me to Court Martial, have me retire or forgive me.’
I went home after that meeting and I reflected on what General Ogolla had told me and in that reflection, I thought of my own ICC conspiracy story and my own episode at the ICC in Hague where certain circumstances had conspired and I was there.
Secondly, I also reflected on the brief I had been given when I came to office as President and I was told there are 4 sensitive positions, that of IG police, Interior, NIS and CDF.
I had been told you have to be careful who you appoint to these offices because they mean a lot and are very sensitive.
I had even been told that please don’t be shy to appoint members of your community, you will be safe. I had made a conscious deliberate decision that we were going to take a different trajectory as a country where merit, professionalism and competence must come before ethnicity and I made up my mind that General deserved to be the Chief of the Defence Forces of Kenya.
Below is his full address…..
It is most unfortunate that the helicopter crash has robbed this nation of fine and dedicated patriots whose ability, professionalism and selfless dedication were self-evident. As a result, the Kenya Defence Forces has lost highly promising officers who still had so much to contribute to the strength, security and glory of our country, together with their leader and commander, General Francis Ogolla.
Over the course of my life in public service, I have had the privilege to meet, interact and work with many outstanding men and women whose achievements and visions represent the best of what Kenya has to offer. I am proud to bear witness that General Francis Ogolla stood head and shoulders among the finest of these exemplary public servants. It has been an extraordinary privilege to work closely with him, to benefit from his wisdom, experience and insights, and to witness him in action, serving his nation with admirable commitment and providing excellent command leadership of the Kenya Defence Forces. I am aware that off-duty, General Ogolla was involved in various services for the benefit of the community, including youth motivation and guidance.
I know that I have already said, and want to say again, that his death is a painful loss to me personally. This is a man I had come to admire very much, one of the best appointments I have made as President. I am certain that I share this profound sorrow with the people of Kenya, and especially those who knew him. I take meagre comfort in knowing that General Ogolla, a veteran commander, airman and soldier, fell in the course of duty, doing what he loved most: Leading his gallant officers to restore order and tranquillity in a deeply troubled part of the country.
There is something profound that the General’s life and work teaches us all, and especially those of us called upon to serve the people of Kenya in various capacities. Every day, he demonstrated in his work that his priority was our nation and its people, that he was privileged to have the opportunity to serve and was therefore obligated to do his very best. We do not get many chances to do our best. Neither do we know the day nor the hour of our passing. We have one lifetime and one nation to serve, and we must give our very best always.
To the General’s family: You are a reflection of the General’s strength, grace and serenity even in the most difficult of times. You have comforted us when we should be comforting you, and encouraged us when we should be encouraging you. In each of you, we glimpse General Ogolla’s best qualities, and know that his spirit lives even though physically he is no longer with us. Thank you for this miraculous example, and may God be with you, bless and comfort you all in a special way according to His divine will.
On behalf of the people and the government of Kenya, I send a message of condolence to the families of all the officers we have lost. We are with you in thought and prayer, and ask the Almighty God to grant you solace as you come to terms with this loss.
