The memorial service for the late Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Omondi Ogolla, which was scheduled for Friday, April 26, 2024, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Langata, has been postponed.
The KDF, in a joint statement with the late General's family, stated that a new date for the memorial service will be announced in the coming days.
The statement mentioned that the family had received much support and attendance at the state funeral on Sunday, but it did not immediately explain why the ceremony had been rescheduled.
" We have been reflecting on his immense influence and the far reaching impact he had as a military General, a patriot, a national leader, a Christian and as a family man," part of the statement reads.
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"In his memory may we cherish the virtues and attributes we leamt from his life and be grateful to the Almighty Lord for the privilege to interact with him and to bear witness to his way of life."
The late Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Omondi Ogolla, was buried on Sunday afternoon at his residence in Ng'iya, Siaya County.
As per his request, General Ogolla was buried a short while before 4 p.m. with only a piece of cloth covering his body instead of a coffin.
Only friends, family, military personnel, and current and former government officials attended the final ceremony.
Ogolla received a 19-gun salute, the same as the late presidents Daniel Moi and Mwai Kibaki. Mourners observed a minute of silence in memory of the late Kenya Defence Forces commander.
The government officials who laid wreaths at Ogolla's gravesite included President William Ruto, First Lady Rachael Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
Along with nine other officers, the military chief perished in a helicopter crash on Thursday afternoon.
Ogolla had instructed that he be buried as soon as possible after passing away.
The 62-year-old's two children, Joel Rabuku Omondi Ogolla and Lorna Achieng' Omondi, and his widow, Aileen Kathambi Ogolla, survive him.
