General Ogolla mourned soldiers' deaths like his own children - his son Joel reveals

Joel Omondi Ogolla, the son of the late Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Ogolla, has spoken up about the emotional toll exacted on his father by Kenya's security challenges.

In a heartfelt speech delivered on Saturday during a Military Honours ceremony held to commemorate his father's passing, Joel recounted how the late General would be deeply affected when he received word of Kenyan soldiers killed in the line of duty, battling against Al-Shabaab terrorists and bandits.

Joel revealed that such incidents would bring General Ogolla to his lowest point, mourning as if he had lost his own child.

"I can guarantee you right now that the General viewed us all the same and treated everyone with respect. His worst days were when he heard that his soldiers had been hit. He would actually mourn like he was mourning a child," said Joel.

Despite the emotional setbacks, Joel went on, General Ogolla remained resolute in his vision for a peaceful Kenya, asking God to grant him more strength to eradicate Kenya's enemies.

"He would go down on his knees and pray to God and ask for more strength to combat Al Shabaab terrorists and bandits. This is what he was doing when he went down."

Joel subsequently urged members of the armed forces to remain resolute in the face of danger and carry on his father's dream of a peaceful Kenya.

"To members of the special forces, when you are assigned missions to go and battle the enemy, don't fret. Crush them all. That's how my father would have wanted," said Joel.

"In fact the late General wanted to die fighting one of these enemies. Do not be afraid of terrorists and bandits. If my father wasn't, then why should you?"

Ogolla, alongside nine other military personnel, died in a helicopter crash on Thursday at the Sindar area in Elgeyo Marakwet County at around 2:20pm.

President William Ruto subsequently announced three days of national mourning following the CDF's death.

On Thursday, Ogolla's family announced that the late General will be laid to rest at his family home in Mor, Alego Usonga, Siaya County on Sunday, April 21, 2024.