By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
The family of the late Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Gen Francis Ogolla has announced the date that he will be buried.
In a statement on Friday, April 19, 2024, the family said Gen Ogolla will be buried this Sunday.
The burial date, the family said, was based on his will that stated he was to be buried within 72 hours of his death.
He will be laid to rest on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at his home in n Mor, Alego in Siaya County.
The family also revealed that Gen Ogolla was scheduled to open a church in his rural home this Sunday.
He had helped build the church.
Unfortunately, instead of opening the church, it will be the day he will be buried.
Gen Ogolla, alongside 8 other military officers died on Thursday afternoon following a helicopter crash in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
President William Ruto confirmed his death later on the day in a televised address.
Ruto also announced a three-day mourning period starting this Friday, April 19, 2024, where all national flags, EAC flags and military flags will be flown at half-mast.
It is the first time that a CDF has died in Kenya’s history.
The late was only appointed to the role in April 2023, taking over from Gen Robert Kibochi who had attained his retirement age.
He died aged 61, and was nearing his retirement age.
Gen Ogolla has served in the military for 40 years. Before his appointment, he served as the Vice CDF.
His appointment was unexpected after he was accused of being among military officers who attempted to influence the outcome of the 2022 general election.
Experts however argue that the President had no option but to appoint Gen Ogolla based on the famous Tonje laws that provide for rotational appointment to the CDF within the various military departments.
Gen Ogolla was from the Kenya Air Force.
