Preparations for the Military Honours and Memorial Service in honour of Chief of Defence Forces, the late General Francis Ogolla are currently underway at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata, Nairobi County.
The Ministry of Defence has unveiled events that will take place ahead of the burial of General Ogolla on Sunday in Mor, Alego, Siaya County.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Defence, the honors will include a Church service, military parade and a 19-gun salute.
President William Ruto is expected to attend the ceremony. Others will be Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, senior govt officials, the leadership of Parliament, the Judiciary, political leaders, commanders of security sector and members of the Diplomatic Corps.
General Ogolla passed on Thursday afternoon alongside nine other military officers in a helicopter crash in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
In a briefing on Friday, Joel Rabuku Ogolla, a member of the family revealed that the late Ogolla had a left a will that outlined that he be buried within 72 hours of his death.
“In honor 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,” Rabuku Ogolla said.
“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,” he added.
The burial will be preceded by a memorial service at his local church in Nduru.
Additionally, the family said that a memorial service will be held next Friday in honour of the fallen Soldier at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Langata, where he found solace in his biweekly runs.
