Ogolla’s Widow Resigns as MWAK Chair 3 Weeks After Loss, Hands Over to Grace Kahariri
Three weeks after her husband passed away, Aileen Ogolla stepped down from her role as the Military Wives Association of Kenya (MWAK) leader on May 7.
During a ceremony in Nairobi, Aileen handed over the leadership of MWAK to Grace Kahariri, the wife of Chief of Defence Force (CDF) Charles Muriu Kahariri.
Aileen’s husband, former CDF Francis Ogolla, passed away in a helicopter accident on April 19.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, the MWAK leadership structure closely aligns with the Kenya Defence Forces’ (KDF) organizational structure.
Therefore, MWAK’s leadership needed to reflect the changes made by President William Ruto in the military following Francis Ogolla’s death.
ALSO READ:
- Inside Job Exposed: Kenyan Prison Wardens Convicted for Orchestrating Daring Terrorist Escape
- Uganda Pulls the Plug: Nationwide Internet Blackout Ordered Days Before Crucial General Election
- African Elections Under the Spotlight as Zambia Turns to Kenya Ahead of 2026 Vote
- “Two Drug Barons in Cabinet?” Kenya Government Fires Back as Ex-Deputy President Sparks Explosive Drug Claims
- Kenyan Court Freezes Use of Private Lawyers by Government, Sparks Nationwide Legal Storm
As the Commander in Chief of Armed Forces, President Ruto appointed CDF Kahariri and John Omenda as Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF).
As a result, Hellen Omenda, wife of VCDF, was appointed to support Grace Kahariri as vice chair.
Before taking on the MWAK leadership, Grace Kahariri had already served as the organization’s vice chair since her husband was previously VCDF.
Aileen expressed gratitude to the MWAK staff for their support during her brief tenure as chairperson.
“She encouraged the members to maintain the same level of commitment and support for the new chair, who is equally dedicated to improving the lives of KDF personnel’s families,” the Ministry of Defence quoted her as saying.
Although she is stepping back from military involvement, she remains available to assist MWAK with welfare matters if needed.
“I look forward to seeing the organization grow and achieve even greater things,” she said, expressing her gratitude for the chance to serve.
Ogolla’s Widow Resigns as MWAK Chair 3 Weeks After Loss, Hands Over to Grace Kahariri
