Father of the late General Francis Ogolla celebrates his 100th Birthday

The father of the late General Francis Ogolla celebrated his 100th Birthday on Saturday surrounded by his family members, friends, and relatives.

The Birthday celebrations for Mzee Joel Oketch Ogolla had been planned before the tragic accident that claimed his son’s life happened.

However, the family opted to proceed with the Birthday celebrations as told by his son, as it was Ogolla’s wish that his death should not stop any arranged programs.

According to the family, General OGolla was supposed to be in Siaya to celebrate his father on Saturday and then on Sunday (Today) lead the opening of a church he had built in his village.

Unfortunately, he was not part of the two ceremonies after he perished in a plane crash on Thursday last week.

The family proceeded with the Birthday celebrations and the opening of the church as the Military took over burial arrangements of the late Ogolla that is happening today.

Birthday celebrations were held in Siaya at a time when General Ogolla’s memorial service was being held in Nairobi.

“We were organizing for our father’s birthday celebrations and the General wanted people to come and eat. He insisted that people should come and eat.

He told us to invite everybody but little did we know our father’s birthday party was turning into our brother’s burial ceremony,” the sister said.

Another relative said; “We were very ready for Saturday and Sunday’s events together with the family,”. 

General Francis Ogolla is being laid to rest today in Siaya County and the ceremony is being graced by President William Ruto, his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, and other officials.

General Ogolla leaves behind a widow, Aileen Kathambi Ogolla, and two children; Lorna Achieng’ Omondi and Joel Rabuku Omondi Ogolla.