Today, the military will pay its final respects to the late Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla in a solemn ceremony to mark the end of his journey.
During the ceremony to be held at his Ng’iya home in Siaya, a full-scale military honour befitting the distinguished service of the late general will be performed.
Among the tributes planned is the iconic missing man formation, a poignant aerial salute symbolizing the departure of a fallen comrade.
This gesture will serve as a fitting tribute to Ogolla's legacy of service and sacrifice.
Ogolla was also a trained tactical fighter pilot.
During this show, fighter jets fly in a formation with space for one jet to pull out symbolizing the pilot’s absence.
This, however, according to senior military officials aware of the plans will depend on the weather considering the heavy rains pounding various parts of the country.
The ceremony will mirror the proceedings witnessed during the memorial service at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on Saturday.
Additionally, Ogolla will be accorded a 19-gun salute moments after his remains are lowered to the grave.
This traditional military salute, reserved for honouring high-ranking officials, will underscore the respect and admiration held for Ogolla by his comrades and the nation at large.
During Saturday’s event, a one-minute silence was observed by the attendees which began with a reveille-traditionally used to wake soldiers for duty.
Reveille as per the Commonwealth military tradition is a signal, especially on a bugle to wake up the sleeping soldiers.
It is derived from the French word ‘reveillez’, meaning ‘wake-up’.
Sentries would be strategically placed in depositions during the night to warn the main force of enemy infiltration.
The sounding of Reveille would signal the duty officers had completed their inspection of the perimeter and sentries would be able to stand down.
The British origins of these bugle calls meant, the soldiers’ days began with buglers playing Reveille and ended with the sounds of the Last Post.
All activities are expected to end by 14:00hrs.
President William Ruto is among the several dignitaries expected to attend the event.
