General Ogolla's final sendoff: Only designated mourners will access burial site

The late Ogolla's family, President William Ruto, dignitaries, and mourners are assembling at the Obama K’Ogello Primary School in Ngi’ya Village for a burial service before heading to Mor Village, where the General's body will be interred.

Unprecedented and high-level security has been put in place as all military formations, both local and foreign, are in attendance including their commanders.

The Army, Airforce and Navy personnel will also be doing the formal military honors. 

After the body arrives, a mass recession which will start with Opening Prayers then welcoming remarks, and reading of the eulogy.

Tributes will also be paid by Ogolla's family, representatives from Ogolla's friends, the church, the military and the government.

Bible readings will follow, then a sermon, family prayers and finally a vote of thanks before proceeding to the burial site.

Secretary State Functions Mike Gitonga has briefed the attendees that only the designated persons will be allowed to head to the general's burial.

"So far we have already briefed those who will head to the homestead. It is also a request from the family so kindly let's honor that request," he announced.

"The rest of us we will remain here as it will be live-streamed on the screens in front of us."

The fallen general died in a copter crash on Thursday, April 18, alongside nine other military officers making him the first KDF boss to die in office.

A total of 12 officers were onboard the ill-fated helicopter.

An illustrious career

The late celebrated General was born on February 12, 1962 in Siaya County.

According to his eulogy, he was enlisted into the Kenya Defence Forces as an Officer Cadet on 02 May 1984 and commissioned as a second lieutenant on May 3, 1985, upon which he was posted to Moi Air Base, where he later trained as a pilot.

During his career in the Kenya Defence Forces, General Ogolla held several Command, Staff and Instructional appointments. 

In command, he was the Commanding Officer of Laikipia Air Base Tactical Flight Wing in 2007 and also Base Commander at Laikipa Air Base from 2008 to 2012.

Upon promotion to Brigadier on April 10, 2012, he was appointed the Deputy Air Force Commander and later on promoted to Major General on July 13, 2018, and appointed Commander of Kenya Air Force. 

On July 23, 2021, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces, a position he held till April 28, 2023, when he was promoted to the rank of General and appointed Chief of the Defence Forces.

Due to his dedication to service the late General Francis Omondi Ogolla was awarded several medals among them; Moran of the Golden Heart (MGH), Elder of the Burning Spear, Head of State Commendation among others. 

He leaves behind a widow, Mrs. Aileen Kathambi Ogolla and two children; Lorna Achieng’ Omondi and Joel Rabuku Omondi Ogolla. He also leaves behind one daughter-in-law; Muthoni Njenga Mwaura and one grandson.