Memorial Service for Kenya's General Ogolla Postponed

The memorial service for the late Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla, originally scheduled for Friday, April 26, 2024 at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang'ata, has been postponed. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and Ogolla's family issued a joint statement announcing that a new date for the service will be communicated in the coming days.

General Ogolla passed away on Thursday, April 18 in a helicopter crash in Elgeyo Marakwet, along with nine other soldiers. He was buried on Sunday afternoon at his home in Ng'iya, Siaya County, as per his wish, with only a piece of cloth covering his body instead of a coffin. The funeral was attended by family members, friends, military personnel, and current and former government officials.

The KDF stated that the postponement comes after the "overwhelming support and state burial" that General Ogolla received on Sunday. The military and the nation continue to mourn the loss of Ogolla, who was described as a "military General, a patriot, a national leader, a Christian and as a family man."

At the burial, Ogolla was accorded a 19-gun salute, similar to the late former presidents Mwai Kibaki and Daniel Moi. President William Ruto, First Lady Rachael Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale were among the government officials who laid wreaths at Ogolla's gravesite. The general's final rites included the reveille, the last post, and the 19-gun salute.

Why this matters: The postponement of General Ogolla's memorial service reflects the profound impact of his passing on the nation and the military. As a highly respected figure, his loss is deeply felt, and the overwhelming support at his state burial highlights his significant contributions to Kenya.

The KDF thanked President Ruto, the First Lady, and various government and military officials for their participation and support during the mourning and burial of General Ogolla. They also encouraged Kenyans to continue praying for the family of the late general and the other military personnel who perished alongside him in the tragic helicopter crash. Ogolla is survived by his widow, Aileen Kathambi Ogolla, and his two children, Joel Rabuku Omondi Ogolla and Lorna Achieng' Omondi.

Key Takeaways

• Memorial service for late KDF Chief Gen. Ogolla postponed after state burial.
• Gen. Ogolla died in a helicopter crash, buried at his home per his wish.
• Ogolla accorded 19-gun salute, similar to former presidents Kibaki and Moi.
• Postponement reflects profound impact of Ogolla's passing on nation and military.
• Ogolla is survived by his widow and two children.