General Francis Ogolla: Video Shows Late CDF's Love for Sports

• Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla passed away on Thursday
• A chopper that was ferrying him crashed at the Sindar area in Elgeyo Marakwet county
• The General was an avid sports fan and supported Ulinzi Stars

Kenyans are still coming to terms with the sudden passing of General Francis Omondi Ogolla.

Ogolla lost his life on Thursday, April 18 after a chopper he was aboard crashed in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

He is the first chief of defence forces in post-independence Kenya to pass away while still in office.

Since President William Ruto confirmed the General as one of the passengers who died in the crash, tributes have poured in by the thousands, particularly on social media.

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Meanwhile, the President has declared three days of mourning for the fallen KDF personell.

Ogolla’s love for sports

Born in 1962, in Siaya County, Ogolla was a man of many interests. He graduated from the KDF as a Cadel in 1984, impressively rising to second lieutenant a year later.

In 2021, he earned a promotion to Lieutenant General and appointed the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces, a position he held until April 28 2023.

Being part of the CDF for most of his life, Ogolla was quite physically active, and was often involved with Nakuru-based club Ulinzi Stars’ training sessions.

A video shared by one @OleTeya on X, formerly Twitter, highlighted Ogolla’s enthusiasm with physical fitness, as he often joined the Ulinzi Stars players in their morning runs. He was an avid fan of Ulinzi, which is one of the heavyweights of the Kenyan Premier League.

The late General was highly respected among his peers, and according to Citizen Digital, was once feted with Presidential awards such as Moran of the Golden Heart (MGH). He was also awarded a Head of State Commendation.

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Heis set to be buried on Sunday, April 21 at his home in N'ginya, Alego Usonga, Siaya County.