The Vice Chief of Defence Forces (VCDF) Lieutenant General Francis Ogolla has said his promotion was an opportunity to serve in the best interest of Kenya.
Ogolla was, on Friday elevated to the rank of Lieutenant-General alongside Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) Director-General Mohamed Badi, formerly a Major-General.
Speaking in Laikipia Air Base (LAB) during a visit to bid farewell to the Laikipia Air Base fraternity on 27 July 2021, thanked the Almighty, Commander in Chief of the Republic of Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta, the Chief of Defence Forces with recommendations from the Defence council for his promotion and appointment as the VCDF.
“My promotion and appointment was a blessing and opportunity to serve in the best interest of Kenya,” said Ogolla.
“I appreciate all Officers and Service Members for performing their tasks diligently during my tenure as Commander Kenya Air Force and ask you to extend the same and do better for the Commander KAF designate.”
The Commander KAF Major General John Omenda congratulated the VCDF Lieutenant General Francis Ogolla for his promotion and appointment as the VCDF.
“Sir, congratulations for your promotion and appointment as the Vice Chief of Defence. I also take this opportunity to give my appreciation for the promotion and appointment as the Commander Kenya Air Force. I will continue to perform the Kenya Air Force tasks and ensure that we maintain KAF 24/7 mission readiness,” said Omenda.
During the visit the General Officers were given a tour of various projects within the Base.
Ogolla replaced Lieutenant-General Franklin Mghalu whose term of service ended after 40 years.
Mghalu previously served as the Vice Chief of Defence Forces and Commander, Kenya Navy.
At the Kenya Air Force, Brigadier John Omenda replaces Francis Ogolla as the Commander. Omenda’s rank is now Major-General.
The other senior military officers promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General are Jonah Mwangi and Albert Kendagor.
The notice announcing the changes, said the President, who met Chief of Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi alongside other senior military officers at State House-Mombasa, deliberated on the list before it was released.
