Kenya’s Chief of Defense Forces Dies in Helicopter Crash: A Look at Gen. Francis Ogolla’s Controversial Legacy

Kenya’s military chief, Gen. Francis Ogolla, passed away in a helicopter crash near the Ugandan border. The helicopter, with 11 people on board, including Ogolla, was touring the troubled western region.

Ogolla became Kenya’s Chief of Defense Forces in April last year following Gen. Robert Kibochi’s retirement. Prior to his appointment, he faced political controversy, accused of involvement in a national security council delegation that allegedly sought to influence the 2022 general election.

President William Ruto, who later endorsed Ogolla’s appointment, had previously spoken to him and expressed confidence in his qualifications for the position. Ogolla had served in Kenya’s military for 40 years and held degrees from École Militaire de Paris, the National Defence College of Kenya, Egerton University, and the University of Nairobi. He is survived by his wife Aileen, two children, and a grandson.