President William Ruto has today honoured the late Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla.
In a special tribute, the President called for a moment of silence in his honour.
The President spoke on Wednesday during the KDF recruit's Pass-out Parade at the Defence Forces Recruits Training School in Uasin Gishu.
"Today we assemble with mixed emotions at this grand pass-out parade. On one hand, we are proud of the accomplishments of the illustrious recruits of this cohort and at the same time we continue to mourn the recent tragic loss of our departed gallant soldiers including the late CDF General Francis Ogolla," Ruto said.
"Their death left a void in our ranks and our hearts and as members of the KDF community, government and citizens."
Ruto said Ogolla's wise leadership, magnificent example, integrity and dedication exemplified the best of Kenyan professionalism representing KDF at its finest and serving as a beacon for all of us.
"His legacy will continue to inspire many. Let us stand for a moment of silence to honour them," he said.
Ogolla died on April 18 after a chopper he was travelling in alongside other officials crashed in Kaben, Marakwet East on Thursday.
He took over as CDF on April 28, 2023.
Ogolla was laid to rest at his home in Siaya on April 21, 2024.
He 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.
KDF 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.
