Remembering Ogolla: A soldier’s quiet goodbye, one year later

It’s been one year since the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces.

On April 18, 2024, the nation lost a towering figure of strength, discipline, and leadership, a man whose legacy stretched across both military and personal spheres.

But it is in the final moments of his life and the will he left behind that we see the true depth of the man he was, a loving father, a devoted husband, and a soldier who believed in simplicity, even in his final commands.

Ogolla’s last wishes to his Family

General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the late Chief of Defence Forces of Kenya, was known for his disciplined leadership, both in military operations and in the way he carried out his personal life.

When Ogolla died in a helicopter crash on April 18, 2024, his family was left with more than just the burden of grief.

This week, Ogolla’s will was made public at the courts, revealing a side of him few ever saw—a man of strict order, whose legacy extended far beyond his military achievements.

In his will, which was filed in court and seen by Radio Generation Kenya, Ogolla outlined his final wishes in no uncertain terms.

Written on July 11, 2012, the will was signed in the presence of two colleagues, Lieutenant Colonel John Njenga and Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Sane.

It clearly stated that Ogolla’s children, Lorna Achieng and Joel Rabuku, would manage his estate after his death. His instructions were straightforward and left little room for interpretation.

“I declare that they shall both execute the duties herein for free without charge and expectation of remuneration or advantage over the beneficiary of my estate,” the will read.

His son, Joel, and daughter, Lorna, were granted equal status in managing his wealth, but Ogolla made it clear that they should do so without any compensation or benefit.

The will revealed a man who was both practical and private. Unlike many who leave behind elaborate memorials and public celebrations of life, Ogolla requested a quiet, no-frills funeral.

His specific instructions called for a private ceremony, to be held within 72 hours of his passing. There were to be no public advertisements, whether in print or media, and only a few close family members and pallbearers would attend.

"I direct that upon my demise, the funeral is to be held as a private ceremony within 72 hours and NOT any later," Ogolla wrote in capital letters.

"It SHALL be attended by pallbearers and close family members. A memorial service MAY be held after the burial. No advertisement in the print, audio media or any other form whatsoever is to be done. No other ceremony is to be done after the memorial service."

Ogolla’s estate, valued at approximately Sh150 million, was to be divided among his immediate family.

His wife, Aileen Ogolla, would receive 50 percent of his estate, while their two children, Lorna and Joel, would share the remaining half equally.

However, Ogolla also included specific property allocations for each child.

Lorna Achieng was bequeathed a property near Pangani Shopping Centre, as well as all the shares he held at NIC Securities. She also inherited a Bible that had once belonged to her paternal grandmother.

Ogolla wrote, "I DEVISE AND BEQUEATH upon my death the WHOLE OF MY ESTATE moveable or immoveable, including property of every nature and description and whatsoever situate to MY JOINT EXECUTORS AND TRUSTEES TO HOLD IN TRUST for the benefit of my beneficiaries and thereafter distribute as follows: To my daughter Lorna Achieng Omondi the old Luo Bible left by my mother."

His son, Joel Rabuku, inherited a property in Siaya, along with a separate property near Pangani. Ogolla also left him all of his personal belongings and artifacts.

However, Ogolla was adamant that his clothes were to be disposed of, not kept or passed on.

"I direct that ALL my personal clothing be disposed of by burning," he stated in his will, leaving no room for debate.

Anything else not explicitly included in the will was to be divided equally between his two children.

Ogolla’s final directive was brief and to the point; "To all my relatives - good luck."

His extended family was not included in the distribution of his wealth.

Instead, Ogolla entrusted his children to handle his estate as they saw fit, without any expectations of remuneration or advantages.

At the time of his death, Ogolla’s estate was estimated to be worth Sh150 million, and the will’s directives left no room for ambiguity.

His clear and concise instructions provided a glimpse into the man behind the uniform—a man who valued privacy, simplicity, and family.

As reported by Standard, General Ogolla’s will, filed before the court, is now part of the public record, marking the final chapter in the life of a man who served his country with distinction and lived his personal life by his own rules.

The General’s last flight

On April 18, 2024, General Ogolla embarked on what should have been a routine flight to inspect military installations and schools in the Rift Valley region.

The helicopter, a Bell UH-1H-II (Huey), was carrying nine other soldiers when disaster struck.

The military’s investigation later confirmed that the cause of the crash was an engine malfunction, cutting the helicopter’s power mid-flight and leading to a fiery crash near Kaben, Marakwet East.

The news of his passing shook the nation, but what followed in the days after was a wave of tributes from all corners of Kenya led by President William Ruto.

His leadership, his selflessness, and his dedication to the country were remembered by those who had served with him and those who had been touched by his service.

Cause of CDF Ogolla's plane crash

The helicopter crash that killed former Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla and nine others was caused by engine failure, a military investigation has revealed.

According to a report released by the Ministry of Defence on Friday, the Bell UH-1H-II (Huey) helicopter, KAF 1501, experienced a sudden engine malfunction mid-flight, leading to complete power loss.

"Based on facts and evidence gathered, and indicated in the findings above, the board of inquiry is of the opinion that the Bell UH-1H-II (Huey) helicopter KAF 1501 crashed due to engine malfunction," the report said.

KAF 1501 crashed on April 18, 2024, in Kaben, Marakwet East, while carrying 12 people, including senior military officers.

Only one person survived, believed to be a photographer. Eyewitnesses said the helicopter burst into flames upon impact.

The report noted that the aircraft had a strong record of reliability and was being flown by qualified personnel at the time of the crash.

"The Huey Helicopter KAF 1501 was assessed to have had a relatively high level of reliability, having conducted several operational and training missions, including VIP flights,” the Ministry stated.

"Further, the flight was operated by qualified, competent crew."

General Ogolla had a long and distinguished military career that spanned four decades.

He joined the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) on April 24, 1984, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on May 6, 1985. He was later posted to the Kenya Air Force, where he rose through the ranks.

He served in various capacities, including Base Commander at Laikipia Air Base, Commanding Officer of the Tactical Fighter Wing, Chief Flying Instructor at the Kenya Air Force Flying Training School, and Deputy Commander of the Kenya Air Force.

He also worked as the Operations Desk Officer at the Kenya Air Force Headquarters.

In 2018, he was promoted to Major General and appointed Commander of the Kenya Air Force, a position he held for three years. Ogolla also served as co-Chair of the Association of African Air Chiefs from 2018 to 2019 and chaired the Military Christian Fellowship between 1994 and 2004.

He represented Kenya in former Yugoslavia as an observer and Military Information Officer between 1992 and 1993.

Despite being caught in the political tensions of the 2022 presidential election, where the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) was divided over the results, Ogolla was appointed by President William Ruto as Chief of Defence Forces on April 23, 2023.

He was promoted from Lieutenant General to assume the position.

Ogolla’s former Deputy, Charles Muriu Kahariri, was appointed to succeed him effective May 2, 2024.

Memorial service

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) on Thursday held a requiem mass in honour of the late Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Francis Ogolla, and nine other soldiers who perished in the tragic helicopter crash in Elgeyo Marakwet.

The memorial service, held at Moi Air Base in Eastleigh, was attended by General Charles Kahariri, who was accompanied by the three service commanders and relatives of the fallen soldiers.

General Kahariri described the day as one of reflection and collective remembrance. He affirmed the enduring legacy of those lost, acknowledging their service, devotion, and the unbreakable bond forged through their ultimate sacrifice.

He also expressed gratitude to the families for attending the service, recognising their strength and resilience, which continue to inspire both the KDF and the nation as a whole.