For Kenyans who watched the funeral of General Francis Ogolla, there were some items placed on his coffin that have great significance to who he was and his life’s legacy.
A pair of black boots, a Kenyan flag, military headgear and medals were placed on the casket of Kenya’s Defence Forces chief at the funeral service on April 21 in Ng’iya, Siaya.
The service was held at Senator Obama Primary School and was attended by top military officials, politicians as well as President William Ruto and First Lady Mama Rachel.
The boots are meant to honour the soldier’s life and sacrifice for the last 40 years he served in the army.
His medals were also placed on the coffin to show the achievements he made during his service.
General Ogolla died on Thursday, April 18, following a helicopter crash in Elgeyo Marakwet that killed nine other soldiers.
Announcing the death of the CDF while in office, President Ruto said he was saddened by his untimely demise.
“Today at 2.20pm, our nation suffered a tragic air crash in Sindar area, Kaben location, Tot division, Elgeyo Marakwet County. I am deeply saddened to announce the death of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of Defence Forces of Kenya,” President Ruto said in a live address to the nation from State House in Nairobi on Thursday evening.
The President said General Ogolla was joined in the crash by 11 other military officers, nine of whom also died while two survived.
The other officers who died in the crash are Brigadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu, Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.
The Head of State also announced that the nation will be in mourning from Friday, April 19 in honour of General Ogolla and nine others who died in the crash.
