How Former CDF Francis Ogolla Shared His Wealth In His Final Will

The late Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Francis Omondi Ogolla, left behind a clear and detailed will outlining how his multimillion-shilling estate would be shared among his family.

Born on February 12, 1962, General Ogolla tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash on April 18, 2024, in Sindar, Elgeyo-Marakwet County.

The crash, which occurred during a mission to reopen schools and inspect security operations in the North Rift region, also claimed the lives of nine other military personnel.

In his final wishes, General Ogolla directed that his property be divided among his immediate family: 50 percent to his wife, Aileen Ogolla, and 25 percent each to his daughter, Lorna Achieng Omondi, and son, Joel Rabuku Omondi.

Mrs. Ogolla was specifically allocated an apartment located along Hatheru Road in Nairobi. However, the will states that should she not be alive, the property should be passed on to their two children.

Lorna was left with a flat, all shares held by her father at NIC Securities, and a treasured old Luo Bible that was handed down from Ogolla’s mother. Joel was given another flat, a parcel of land located near Siaya Airstrip — including any developments on it — as well as all of his father’s personal belongings and artifacts.

General Ogolla made a special request that all his personal clothing be disposed of by burning.

“Any property not included in this will is to be jointly owned by Joel Rabuku Omondi and Lorna Achieng Omondi. Alternatively, the two may mutually agree on how to share it,” the will states.

To his extended family members, the General simply wrote: “To all my relatives – good luck.”

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General Ogolla joined the Kenya Defence Forces in 1984, starting his military career as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Kenya Air Force. He trained as a fighter pilot with the US Air Force and steadily rose through the ranks. In 2018, he became Commander of the Kenya Air Force before being appointed Vice Chief of Defence Forces.

In April 2023, President William Ruto appointed him as the Chief of Defence Forces, replacing General Robert Kariuki Kibochi. The appointment attracted political debate after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) accused Ogolla of being part of a security team that tried to interfere with the 2022 presidential election. President Ruto, however, defended Ogolla, praising his professionalism and qualifications.

Ogolla was a highly educated military officer, having studied at the École Militaire in Paris, the National Defence College of Kenya, Egerton University, and the University of Nairobi. He was also honoured with some of the country’s highest awards, including the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH) and Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS).

Following his death, President Ruto declared three days of national mourning. A memorial service was held in Nairobi on April 20, followed by a state funeral in his home village of Ngiya in Siaya County on April 21.