Kenya’s military chief, General Francis Ogolla, will be laid to rest on Sunday, April 21, at his home in Mor, Alego, Siaya County. The announcement was made by his family, who stated that the burial will take place within 72 hours of his passing, in accordance with his wishes.
General Ogolla, known for his humble nature and dedication to his country, tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash along with nine others. The incident occurred shortly after take-off, as the aircraft was on a mission to visit troops deployed in northwest Kenya to combat cattle-rustling. The crash claimed the lives of all on board, leaving only two survivors who were hospitalized.
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“In honourr of his humble nature, General Ogolla specified that his burial occur within 72 hours of his passing, echoing the profound truth that from dust we came and to dust we shall return. His family has dutifully chosen Sunday, April 21st, 2024 for his final farewell, to be held at his cherished home in Mor, Alego, Siaya County.” In a statement, his family said
In honor of General Ogolla’s memory, his family has arranged for a service at his local church in Nduru, followed by his burial at his beloved home in Mor. A memorial service will also be held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Langata on Friday, April 26, to pay tribute to his life and service to the nation.
The sudden and tragic loss of General Ogolla has deeply impacted the military community and the nation as a whole. His dedication to his country and his leadership will be remembered and honored during the funeral proceedings. The investigation into the cause of the helicopter crash is ongoing, as authorities work to determine what led to this devastating incident.
As Kenya mourns the loss of a respected military leader, General Francis Ogolla will be remembered for his service, his humility, and his commitment to his country. May he rest in peace.
Former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa, who worked closely with General Ogolla, has expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic accident. He described the late General as not only a dedicated soldier but also a true gentleman who served his country with honor and integrity.
“He becomes the first General to die in the line of duty and we are calling on Kenyans not to speculate but to allow the security agencies to carry out thorough investigations into this accident so that we know what happened,” Wamalwa said.
As speculation and misinformation circulate on social media regarding the helicopter crash, former Defence CS Eugine Wamalwa has urged Kenyans to refrain from jumping to conclusions and allow the security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation. Wamalwa emphasized the importance of understanding the circumstances surrounding the crash, especially considering the high level of security protection afforded to the CDF.
“The CDF is the most protected person after the Commander-in-Chief and therefore it is important thorough investigations are carried out and we know what happened. In the meantime, we want to ask Kenyans to be patient and we pray for the family and the larger KDF family for this terrible loss,” Wamalwa added.