Video Of General Francis Ogolla Sharing Secret Behind His Fitness, Sharpness Emerges: "Meditation"

• Kenya's Chief of Defence Forces, Francis Ogolla, died alongside nine other Kenya Defence Forces in a helicopter crash
• The 10 died in the line of duty when the helicopter crashed at the border of West Pokot and Marakwet East on Thursday, April 18
• The general, in an interview with a Kenyan broadcaster in 2023, shared how his time away from work looked like

Michael Ollinga is a journalist at TUKO.co.ke with over 10 years of experience covering courts and crimes, special reports, and current affairs in Kenya.

Kenyans are observing three days of mourning starting today, Friday, April 19, following the deaths of the country's Chief of Defence Forces, Francis Ogolla, and nine other officers.

KDF helicopter crash

The 10 died in a helicopter accident at the border of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet on Thursday, April 19.

President William Ruto disclosed that the officers were in the North Rift region to oversee rebuilding schools that bandits had attacked and disrupted learning as part of the Maliza Uhalifu operation.

The president's address brought about sweet memories that family, friends, and colleagues shared with the deceased soldiers.

Several Kenyans dug into their archives and recirculated photos and videos showing the good moments the fallen soldiers created when they were alive.

General Francis Ogolla's final moments

Social media is still awash with photos and videos capturing General Ogolla's recent interactions with soldiers, leaders, and the public.

Two days before the tragic incident, the energetic soldier was seen jogging and working out with Kenya Defence Forces soldiers at the Lang'ata Barracks, which hosts the Ulinzi Sports Complex.

These photos complement what General Ogolla said about his routine during an August 2023 interview with Kenya's state broadcaster, Kenya Broadcasting Cooperation.

That was barely five months after he took the oath of office as Kenya's Chief of Defence Forces, taking over from General Robert Kibochi.

During the interview, Ogolla said he loved reading books and playing golf before he was appointed to the CDF position.

Francis Ogolla's routine

While he maintained his reading culture after the appointment, the CDF toned down on playing golf to focus on serving the nation without divided attention.

"As a person, I like to read, and I used to love golf, but the day I was appointed CDF, I more or less put my golf clubs aside, and said, let me focus on this job whole-heartedly," said Ogolla.

He also spoke about his fitness and meditation time, saying two or three hours of alone time per day was precious to him.

"I run with soldiers twice a week to keep fit. I like to be alone to reflect. If I can get two or three hours a day to be by myself I enjoy it," he said.

More about Francis Ogolla's death

• The bodies of General Francis Ogolla and nine other soldiers who died in the helicopter crash were flown to Nairobi.
• President William Ruto declared three days of national mourning in honour of the distinguished Kenya Defence Forces officers.
• General Francis Ogolla's daughter, Lorna Omondi Ogolla, eulogised her father, describing him as an empathetic man who pursued excellence.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

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