Military pays tribute to CDF Ogolla with last lap of honour at memorial Service » Capital News
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 20 – The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) on Saturday accorded the late Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla, who died in a military helicopter crash, a last lap of honour at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.
CDF Ogolla alongside, nine others lost their lives when the Bell Huey II helicopter that was ferrying him and his entourage went down moments after take-off in Elgeyo-Marakwet’s Keben area.
During the lap of honour, the military parade went around the stadium, giving guests and all attendees an opportunity to pay their last respects to the late military chief.
President William Ruto is leading the country in the memorial service.
The honours will include a church service, a military parade, and a 19-gun salute.
Attendees will also observe a minute of silence in honour of Ogolla and the nine KDF officers who perished in the crash.
The event is being graced by senior government officials, parliamentary leaders, judiciary representatives, political figures, security sector commanders, and members of the Diplomatic Corps
Some of the notable figures present include Deputy Rigathi Gachagua, First Lady Rachel Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, former CDF Robert Kibochi, Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Opposition Chief Raila Odinga, and Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome.
Ogolla’s interment is scheduled for Sunday, following his wish to be laid to rest within 72 hours of his passing.
The family of the late military Chief disclosed Friday that he will be buried without a casket in fulfillment of his wishes.
Ogolla’s family revealed Friday that the late CDF had already chosen his burial site in Mor village, in his Siaya home.
According to instructions documented in his will, Ogolla requested that his body be wrapped in sheets to alleviate any undue burden on his loved ones.
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