[PHOTOS] Ruto, leaders pay last respect to CDF Ogolla

President William Ruto has led leaders in paying the last tribute to fallen Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla.

In attendance at the memorial service held at Ulinzi Sports Stadium on Saturday were Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Others were First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto, Second Lady Pastor Dorcas Rigathi and the Kenya Defence Forces led by the Vice CDF Lt Gen Charles Muriu Kahariri.

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja were also among the leaders present.

Others at the event include senior government officials, the leadership of Parliament, the judiciary, political leaders, security sector commanders and diplomats.

Expressing sadness over the loss, Ruto eulogised Ogolla as a man he had come to admire over the time.

"I know that I have already said, and want to say again, that his death is a painful loss to me personally. This is a man I had come to admire very much, one of the best appointments I have made as President," he said.

"I am certain that I share this profound sorrow with the people of Kenya, and especially those who knew him. I take meagre comfort in knowing that General Ogolla, a veteran commander, airman and soldier, fell in the course of duty, doing what he loved most: Leading his gallant officers to restore order and tranquility in a deeply troubled part of the country."

Gachagua eulogised him as a man who was kind, humble and amiable.

"He was full of very good jokes and many a times in tense situations, he would make everybody feel comfortable," he added.

General Ogolla will be buried on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at his home in Mor village, Alego Usonga constituency, in Siaya County