Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla has today hosted an elaborate thanksgiving service at the Saint Michael’s Cathedral at the Defence Headquarters, Nairobi presided over by the Archbishop of the Anglican Church His Grace Dr. Jackson Ole Sapit.
During the service that brought together congregants from Nakuru, Nairobi, Nanyuki and Mombasa regions, Gen Ogolla gave thanks to God for the promotion to the pinnacle of military leadership and sought God’s guidance to lead the military as the 11th CDF.
In his remarks, the CDF thanked His Excellency Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces for the trust he bestowed upon him saying he didn’t expect the appointment.
“With humility I thank His Excellency the President for the trust. He told me he had been sufficiently briefed about me and was convinced that I have what it takes to lead this significant institution. It is a huge responsibility but shall spare no energy as I serve my country and the Lord,” said Gen Ogolla.
He thanked the various military leaders for the mentorship saying he has undergone immense experiences and lessons that have shaped him to the person he is today.
The CDF reminisced the days he joined the KDF 39 years ago and recognized how he has grown in the military church since he was a junior officer at Laikipia Air Base (LAB) where together with other service personnel undertook morning and evening prayers.
“When I joined the military training at Lanet, Nakuru in 1984, my mum came with a calling letter from the university and implored me not to join the military and instead join the university. I however told her that I have made my mind to serve my country and that’s why when I did my Masters degree, I dedicated it to her,” he said.
The CDF thanked those who have prayed with him and his family the last couple of months and urged them to double the prayers to enable him serve in the new capacity in accordance with the will of God.
His Grace Ole Sapit who is also the Bishop of the All Saints Cathedral Diocese and Bishop-in-Ordinary to the KDF congratulated the CDF encouraged him through the word of God in the Book of 2nd Chronicles 20.
He presented the CDF with a new Holy Bible and urged him to meditate on it day and night to enable him make informed decision for the general good of the military and the nation.
“King Jehoshaphat was overwhelmed by an oncoming army but when he called upon God, the Lord answered him by telling him not to be afraid or discouraged because of the vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. You will not have to fight this battle, take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,” said the Archbishop in reference to the word.
The clergyman commended Gen Ogolla for his commitment to the military and in serving God saying history will be written that it’s possible to effectively perform in the two spheres.
Mrs Aileen Ogolla, the spouse to the CDF hailed Gen Ogolla saying despite raising a General, the Lord raised a prayer warrior who always fights his battles on his knees.
“I know him as a man who rolls with the punches as a good boxer. Many of his battles he won through prayer and we are delighted that the Lord has taken him to this far,” said Mrs Ogolla.
The thanksgiving service was attended by among others the Vice Chief of Defence Forces (VCDF) Lieutenant General Jonah Mwangi, Service Commanders, General Officers (both serving and retired), Senior Officers, Officers, service members and their families as well as friends of the CDF.
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