In his kind nature, the late Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla gifted President William Ruto a framed photograph with a message of service.
Eulogising him as a gallant General and a Christian, Ruto said Ogolla's gift which he received barely five months ago, was "thoughtful embodying him personality".
"On December 9, 2023, General Ogolla gifted me a framed photograph. On one side was a biblical verse from the book of Isaiah Chapter 41: 10, presented in beautiful calligraphy," Ruto said during a memorial service at Ulinzi Sports Stadium on Saturday.
The verse read, "Fear thou not, for I am with thee; Be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee, I will help thee, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness".
On the other side of the photo, the President revealed, was a map of Kenya with multiple silhouettes of soldiers in diverse military roles.
"It was a thoughtful gift that embodied General Ogolla's personality as a patriot, a gallant general, a Christian, and a visionary leader," he said.
Ruto acknowledged that the fallen hero understood the value of defence for national tranquility and the obligations of the office of the Chief of the Defence Forces towards national prosperity.
A sombre looking President stated that the loss of such a man, one he had grown to admire, pains him.
"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."
Ogolla did not stop at the President, as Second-In-Command Rigathi Gachagua also revealed that he got a gift for his birthday on February 28, 2024.
On his 59th birthday, which the DP said he barely remembered, he got a report that the CDF wanted to see him.
Explaining that in ordinary circumstances a surprise call on by the CDF can elicit panic, the second in-commander stated that he stopped what he was doing and admitted the General in.
"The General was holding a big card and he said he had come to wish me happy birthday," Gachagua added, "I was not even aware it was my birthday".
