Sombre mood engulfed Ng’iya village in Alego-Usonga, Siaya county on Sunday April 21, 2024 during the burial of General Francis Omondi Ogolla.
Earlier on the body of the Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla arrived at Kisumu International Airport and received by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua alongside top military officials and ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo.
A brief military parade was conducted at the airport in honour of General Ogolla before the body left for his rural home by road paving way for locals who had lined up along the Kisumu-Bondo road to pay their last respects to the departed General Ogolla.
At Senator Obama School, a burial service was held with sermon by Anglican Church Archbishop Ole Sapit who earlier dedicated and consecrated a local church that the late General had constructed and had wished that it be consecrated.
President William Ruto led other leaders in paying last respects to General Ogolla.
In his speech, President Ruto maintained that General Ogolla had demonstrated true patriotism and leadership.
He re-visited the scenario that saw him appoint General Ogolla as CDF despite many obstacles from his advisors, adding that if he had a chance to choose he would choose Ogolla again as CDF.
The Head of State at the same time assured Kenyans of his commitment towards ensuring equality for all in terms of government appointments.
“I made a commitment to Kenyans and without fear of doubt and without contradiction, I want to assure the country that we have a new chapter that will ensure no ethnicity whatsoever when it comes to Government appointments. No slot is set for any particular region or community, but will be based on merit,” he stated.
Sentiments echoed by DP Rigathi Gachagua.
The DP termed General Ogolla as a great man who served the nation with passion.
“We are here to honour and bury a decorated general, a career military strategist, an accomplished fighter pilot, a competent and focused team leader, a humble and kind man. We say thank you to the family and people of Siaya for giving us a great son to serve with us,” he stated.
However, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga who also represented former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, called for thorough investigations into the ncisent that led to the crash.
Oburu added that Nyanza region has lost several of her son’s in similar circumstances, and that time is now for such to be addressed.
“All we want to know is who killed our son. As Luo community, we have witnessed many assassinations of our leaders. We still do not know till today who killed them,” he stated.
Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale assured the country that Kenya Defence Forces remain committed to the task of ensuring the country is secure.
Others who addressed included Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and One Kenya Alliance’s Kalonzo Musyoka as well as Siaya County Governor James Orengo.
General Ogolla died in a helicopter crash in the western part of the country on Thursday April 18, 2024 alongside other 9 gallant soldiers.
The deceased had left a will that he be buried without a casket and within 72 hours after his death.
Author: Pristone Mambili
A trained Journalist with passion for Radio and online Writing.