General Francis Ogolla laid to rest

Ogolla was buried without a coffin as per his wish.

In Summary
  • In the ceremony characterised by a sombre mood, Ogolla was buried without a coffin, wrapped in a sheet in accordance with his wishes.
  • The gallant General was laid to rest at 3 pm in his Ng'iya Home.
The family of late CDF Francis Ogolla lays a wreathe at his grave on April 21, 2024
The family of late CDF Francis Ogolla lays a wreathe at his grave on April 21, 2024
Image: SCREENGRAB

Fallen Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla has been laid to rest at his home in Siaya County.

In the ceremony characterised by a sombre mood, Ogolla was buried without a coffin, wrapped in a sheet in accordance with his wishes.

He was honoured with the Last Post, which is one of the most popular military short musical calls played using the bugle or the trumpet.

It is played to symbolise the final journey of the general and the end of his duty.

Its solemn and mournful melody reminds the mourners of the ultimate sacrifice made by the soldier in serving the nation.

The Kenya Defence Forces also honoured Ogolla with a 19-gun salute and handed over to his wife, Aileen Ogolla, the Kenyan Flag, the KDF service flag, his official sword and boots.

This was in honour and symbolic of the commitment to service that Ogolla showed through his time in the military.

In attendance were President William Ruto, his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, and Defence CS Aden Duale among others. 

Ruto urged all Kenyans to follow the example of the fallen General, working hard in pursuit of their dreams, with confidence, and without any anxiety that any consideration, other than pure merit.

"Therefore, wherever you are, and whatever your occupation, I commend to you General Ogolla’s fine example: Be the very best version of yourself. Aspire to make a positive contribution. Always do the right things and do them well to the best of your ability. Love your country and serve her people without discrimination," he said.

Mourning the late CDF, Duale said his invaluable contributions to KDF will be fondly remembered.

He urged the servicemen and women to also reaffirm their dedication to embodying the values of courage, integrity, and patriotism that Ogolla embodied.

"His memory will serve as a perpetual inspiration as we work to safeguard our beloved nation. May he rest in peace, assured that his legacy endures in the hearts of all Kenyans," the CS added.

The country will hold a memorial service on Friday, April 26, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang'ata, in line with the family's wishes.

Ogolla was among the 10 officers who died in a helicopter crash on Thursday on the border between Elgeyo Marakwet and Uasin Gichu counties.

The others included Captain Hillary Litali, Captain Sora Mohamed, Colonel Duncan Keitany, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, Major George Benson Magondu, Brigadier Swale Saidi and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.

They were on a peace mission in the troubled Rift Valley region, which has been plagued by cattle rustling and banditry.

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