CDF General Francis Ogolla laid to rest, given a 19-Gun Salute
Departed Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla, has been laid to rest at his home in Ng’iya, Siaya County, as per his wishes.
Francis Ogolla’s burial site
The family disclosed that Ogolla had chosen a specific burial site. The final rites at the gravesite included three symbolic ceremonies.
The first was the “reveille,” a military wake-up call typically played with a trumpet, drum, fife, or bagpipes to signal the start of a new day.
The second was the “last post,” a poignant tune that signifies the end of military duty, played to honour a soldier’s service.
The third was a 19-gun salute, which is a traditional military honour recognizing the general’s nearly 40-year career in the armed forces.
Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya Jackson Ole Sapit led the consecration service of ACK St Thomas Church in Nduru Siaya County Sunday morning, a church that the late General supported to construct.
Archbishop Ole Sapit said that the consecration service went on as it had been planned in honour of the wishes of the late General who was among the high-profile guests expected to be part of the celebration.
General Ogolla’s distinguished career in the Kenya Defence Forces began in 1984 when he joined as a 2nd lieutenant in the Kenyan Air Force.
He trained as a fighter pilot with the US Air Force, ascending to the position of Commander of the Kenya Air Force in 2018. Subsequently, he became the Vice Chief of Defence Forces and was appointed Chief of Defence Forces by President William Ruto in April 2023, following the retirement of General Robert Kariuki Kibochi.
General Ogolla’s educational background was equally impressive, with credentials from institutions like École Militaire de Paris, the National Defence College of Kenya, Egerton University, and the University of Nairobi.
His service was acknowledged with numerous honours, including the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (EGH) and the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS).
The crash also claimed the lives of nine other military personnel, with two others injured. The Bell UH-1H Huey II helicopter, operated by the 53 Tactical Helicopter Squadron of the Kenyan Air Force, was on a mission to reopen schools in the North Rift region following bandit attacks and to inspect troops engaged in stabilization operations.
