General Francis Ogolla: Family Keep His Last Wishes, Continue to Celebrate His Father’s 100th Birthday

Late Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla’s family says the birthday celebration for his father will continue on April 20.

General Ogolla had planned to travel to the village in Alego Usonga Constituency, Siaya County to plan for his dad’s 100th birthday.

Sadly Ogolla died in a military helicopter crash in Elgeyo Marakwet on Thursday afternoon.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) boss will be buried by his will which outlined that, upon his death, he be laid to rest within 72 hours.

The burial will be preceded by a memorial service at his local church in Nduru.

Ogolla will be buried without a coffin but instead in a simple ritual burial similar to Muslim traditions, where he will be wrapped in a sheet.

This was the General’s last wish to relieve what he described as unnecessary pressure on his family.

The General’s death sent a shockwave of emotions with Kenyans led by leaders like President William Ruto expressing sorrow.

Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta among others also sent condolences to his family.

Other military officers who died in the crash were: Brigadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, and Major George Benson Magondu.

Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira were also confirmed dead.