By Peter Ochieng
Joel Rabuku Ogolla, son to the fallen Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), Francis Ogolla mesmerized mourners when he rose to speak during his late father’s funeral service, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on Saturday.
His ability to fluently shift from English to Kiswahili and vice versa made Kenyans to follow him keenly as he eulogized his late dad.
Despite being the head of KDF, Joel said his dad, like any other person had his low moments. And top of the list was when one of his soldiers was brough down in line of duty.
“He viewed people the same, in his hearts of hearts, he treated all with respect, and his worst days were those that his soldiers would be taken down,” Joel said.
He noted that whenever a KDF soldier would be killed, his dad would go down on his knees and ask God to give him and all KDF fraternity strengthen to continue fighting, and win the war against bandits and members of terrorist group, Al-Shabaab.
Joel urged KDF not to relent in the war against Al-Shabaab, even in the wake of his dad’s demise. “I want to tell the Al-Shabab and bandits who are celebrating, the command is still there. Watu wa Special Forces mkipewa mission ya kwenda kulima adui, maliza kabisa (You special forces guys, if given a mission to deal with the enemies, finish them off completely.”
“That’s how Gen Ogolla would have wanted it. Kama mdosi wenu hakuwa anaogopa adui, mnaogopa nini (If your boss did not fear the enemy, why should you?” said Joel.
According to Joel, despite being the head of KDF, his father lived a humble life, quoting, Mathew 5:3 which reads, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
“He was the poorest man in Spirt. He never liked being called CDF,” added Joel.
The service was attended by among others, President William Ruto, his deputy Rigathi Gachgua and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Ruto regretted what he said was the fact that Francis Ogolla could not live to witness the fruits of reforms he had started initiating in the military. Ogolla will be buried on Sunday, in Ng’iya, Siaya County.