General Francis Ogolla: I Stopped Playing Golf After Ruto Appointment

General Francis Ogolla, Chief of Defence Forces for Kenya, recently gave his first interview since being appointed in April. 

In an interview with Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, the General shared his vision for the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) emphasizing the importance of creating a cohesive and powerful force with a shared goal. During his first 100 days in office, the General worked closely with the military in both local and international operations to anchor the foundation for the vision. While he did not go into detail, he did say that the vision includes making the KDF a globally respected force. 

As part of his commitment to physical well-being, the military leader has incorporated a morning jog with troops twice a week while relinquishing his enjoyment of playing golf. He also enjoys privacy to engage in introspective thinking, citing two to three hours of seclusion as ideal for him. 

“I love to read and I used to love to play golf but the moment I was appointed Chief of Defence Forces, I more or less put my golf side aside and I said let me concentrate on this job wholeheartedly,” he revealed.

On the upcoming recruitment, the decorated fighter pilot urged interested individuals to attend in large numbers and avoid bribing officials for a position, assuring a fair selection process for all. The General also stated that the military is effectively monitoring the country’s borders and guaranteeing security despite occasional minor incidents that are being dealt with.

“Kenya is secure along its borders because of us in KDF, we will be judged on the effectiveness of how we do our duty and at the moment by and large other than some minor incursions that are reported here and there, we are secure and even those incursions, they are not just happening, we are dealing with them,” he said.