When he took over the leadership at the Kenya Defence Forces as the Chief of Defence Forces(CDF), Gen Francis Ogolla knew he needed a clarion call to drive his team.
His predecessor Gen Robert Kibochi had been driving the “arrowhead mission” as his clarion call, which saw him repeatedly urge the troops to stick to his goal, which was more training.
And when he took over Gen Ogolla shouted his mission saying his would be “one force one mission.”
"My clarion call is for one force, one mission. We shall be one force knit together with one purpose of providing Defence and remaining true to our motto of Ulinzi Daima,” he said.
As part of his mission, he said he will continue working closely with other security agencies within a broader multi-agency framework for the safety, security and stability of the country and its people for sustainable economic development and prosperity.
To many, the multi-agency framework is now the basis for delivering and addressing many challenges in the country.
This sees many agencies working together in tackling a number of challenges including insecurity as opposed to the past situation where agencies worked in isolation.
Based on his clarion call, Gen Ogolla will be keen to continue working with other security agencies in several areas to ensure a stable Kenya.
Gen Ogolla said he is ready and committed to steering the KDF to achieve the nation's defence objectives.
This means he will open up the military to working more closely with other agencies.
Kenyan troops have been involved in various multi-agency operations and training exercises internally, which have enhanced and ensured a collective and synergised approach in handling national security issues.
Gen Ogolla paid tribute to his predecessor and thanked him for his mentorship, guidance and cooperation.
He implored the KDF fraternity to always be determined and committed to developing and embracing the modern security strategy to conform with the evolving national and global security threats.
After a successful handing-over ceremony at Ulinzi Sports Complex, the outgoing Defence Forces chief paid a courtesy call to his successor.
Thereafter they planted a tree in commemoration of the solemn day.
In line with traditions, the outgoing CDF was then escorted out of the Ministry of Defence headquarters in a ceremonial vehicle pulled by senior military officers, ushering in the reign of Gen Ogolla as the 11th CDF.
Gen Ogolla has held various positions in the military including the Vice Chief of Defence Forces and Commander of Kenya Airforce among others.
Gen Kibochi left behind a rich legacy which includes spearheading the modernisation and expansion of the three services, the revival of the Kenya Meat Commission, the construction of Defence Force Regional Hospitals, and the rehabilitation of Uhuru Gardens into a state-of-the-art monument and museum among other notable accomplishments.
He argued continuous quality training is designed to maintain the force at the highest levels of mission readiness.
He did this as Gen Ogolla stayed as his vice, which he will also take credit for.
Domestically, KDF troops are involved in various multi-agency missions including Operation Amani Boni” in Lamu, “Operation Rejesha Utulivu” in Laikipia and “Operation Maliza Uhalifu in North Rift” among others.
Gen Ogolla comes to the office when the military is spread all over the region in effort to stabilise it from various challenges.
Regionally and internationally, KDF continues to remain a key player in contributing to global and regional peace and stability through various assignments with the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU) and the East Africa Community (EAC).
Disaster Response Unit has also been at the forefront in supporting the civil authorities in situations of emergencies and disasters.
And all these boils down to Gen Ogolla’s clarion call of “one force one mission”.