Indian maritime officials conducted a reception in honour of Kenya's Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Francis Ogolla, in Mombasa County aboard INS Sunayna (P57) ship.
According to international reports published on Saturday, June 24, the crew appreciated Ogolla's efforts in enhancing coordinated operations in the maritime domain as well as bolstering interoperability between the two countries.
While making his address, the CDF conveyed his gratitude for the honour and friendly gesture the Indian Navy had shown, further solidifying the partnership between India and Kenya.
A joint yoga session was also conducted in conjunction with Indian Navy personnel and Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF).
Indian Navy’s Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (DCNS), Vice Admiral Sanjay Mahindru, called upon Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to discuss avenues for strengthening bilateral defence relations.
Vice Admiral Mahindru also highlighted the significance of bringing the world together through yoga - in particular urging Kenya to embrace and incorporate the exercise into its regime.
Indigenous INS Sunayna, which is the second Saryu-class patrol vessel of the Indian Navy, docked on Mombasa from June 20, 2023, to June 23, 2023, in a bid to boost bilateral ties with maritime neighbours on the theme of Ocean Ring of Yoga.
The ship is designed to undertake special projects including fleet support operations, coastal and offshore patrolling, ocean surveillance and monitoring of sea lines of communications and offshore assets and escort duties.
Ogolla Promotion
Lieutenant General Francis Omondi Ogolla was promoted to serve as the Chief of the Defence Forces by President William Ruto on April 28, 2023.
He took over the position from Robert Kibochi who retired after 44 years.
"His Excellency William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, pursuant to Section 9 (2) (a) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, has today promoted Lieutenant General Francis Omondi Ogolla to the rank of General and appointed him Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF).
"General Francis Omondi Ogolla replaces General Robert Kariuki Kibochi whose term of service has honourably come to an end after 44 years of an illustrious military career," the statement read in part.
President Ruto made the changes based on the advice issued by the Defence Council chaired by CS Duale.
