Kenyans of various works of life are sending messages of condolence to the families of Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla and nine other senior Kenya Defence Forces officers who perished in a helicopter crash that occurred shortly after taking off at Chesegon on the border of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
In Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, Retired General Daudi Rerimoi Tonje who served as the Chief of General Staff between 1996 and 2001 eulogized Ogolla as a diligent officer who served KDF with great dedication and commitment.
“He was a great Kenya Air Force officer who rose from Lieutenant II to the highest military rank of the Chief of Defence Force. During my time, he was a pilot training our Kenya Air Force Officers where he mentored many pilots and, sadly, we have lost him,” Tonje mourned.
No vacuum in military
The military man behind the famous Tonje reforms said there can never be a vacuum in the military because there are elaborate succession structures.
“In the military, there are clear succession protocols and as soon as the Chief of Defence exits, his/her vice takes over immediately, therefore, there can never be a vacuum and in this case, we wait for an official appointment from the President,” Tonje stated.
Philemon Samoei, a former Kenya Air Force officer said Ogolla was a humble officer of high integrity who shaped the career of many Kenya Air Force pilots.
“I worked under General Francis Ogolla a few years back before taking my retirement. I can attest that he is one of the best generals I have ever come across. He was a down-to-earth person who interacted well with KDF officers irrespective of their ranks and we ask God to comfort General Ogolla’s family and all the officers who perished in that crash,” Samoei said.
Gen Ogolla dedicated his life to service
Retired Colonel Raymond Cheruiyot mourned Ogolla who was appointed the CDF as a man who dedicated his life to service.
“He stood out as a patriotic officer who wanted to ensure that our sovereignty and territorial integrity is not compromised. It is very unfortunate that we have lost such a hardworking officer,” Cheruiyot said.
Females of Valour Association of Kenya chairperson Denise Katana and Irene Chepkemoi described General Ogolla as a true patriot and a decorated soldier who served Kenya with utmost faithfulness.
