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Former Presidents Daniel Moi and Mwai Kibaki received 19 gun salutes at their state funerals on February 12, 202o, and April 30, 2022 respectively.
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There is also a 21-gun salute that is reserved for the head of state, who is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
Image: EZEKIEL AMING'A
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will honor the late Chief of Defence Forces Gen Francis Ogolla with a 19-gun salute to celebrate its leader.
Ogolla was described as a four-star general.
A 19-gun salute is done in honour of dignitaries such as vice presidents, Senate and National Assembly speakers, chief justices, state governors, chiefs of staff, four-star generals and five-star generals in the US.
Former presidents also receive a 19-gun salute.
Former Presidents Daniel Moi and Mwai Kibaki received 19 gun salutes at their state funerals on February 12, 202o, and April 30, 2022 respectively.
Even though real guns are involved, a military funeral and other honour guards do not fire live artillery shells but blanks.
There is also a 21-gun salute, but that is reserved for the head of state, who is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
However, former Presidents can receive a 21-gun salute if the sitting President orders that they be buried in full military uniform.
At the ceremony at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata, Nairobi, KDF will pay its highest tribute to its leader.
Aside from the 19-gun salute, Ogolla will also be honoured with a reville, one-minute silence and missing man formation.
A statement from Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said President William Ruto, his deputy Rigathi Gachagua and other leaders will be among dignitaries at Ulinzi.
Others expected at the event include senior government officials, the leadership of Parliament, the judiciary, political leaders, security sector commanders and diplomats.
“The honours will include a church service, military parade and a 19-gun salute,” Duale said in a statement.
According to the programme shared by the military, Ogolla’s body will leave Mashujaa Funeral Home for Ulinzi Sports Complex at 11:30 am.
The ceremony will officially kick off some minutes to 1 pm beginning with prayers, followed by speeches and finally the military honours.
Ogolla was among the 10 officers who died in a helicopter crash on Thursday on the border between Elgeyo Marakwet and Uasin Gichu counties.
They were on a peace mission in the troubled Rift Valley region, which has been plagued by cattle rustling and banditry.
Ogolla’s body will be flown to Ng’iya village, Alego Usonga sub-county in Siaya County on Sunday morning for burial the same day.
Duale said the country would also hold a memorial service on Friday, April 26, 2024, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata, in line with the family’s wishes.
Ruto announced three days of national morning in honour of Ogolla.