Military prepares for first of its kind CDF burial

President William Ruto, First Lady Rachel Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua with the family of the late Chief of Defence Forces General Ogolla in Nairobi. [PCS]

The Department of Defence has announced a series of activities ahead of the burial of Chief of the Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla tomorrow.

In accordance with military traditions, senior government officials, among them President William Ruto, will be at the Ulinzi Complex today for the final military sendoff ceremony.

The activities will include the military's last respects to the fallen hero marked by a 19-gun salute.

On Sunday, Gen Ogolla's body will be airlifted to his rural home in Siaya where a funeral service will be held at the Senator Obama K'Ogello Primary school stadium, according to a statement released by Defence headquarters.

The family and the government have agreed that Gen Ogolla will buried in line with his wishes, within 72 hours.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, in a statement, said a postmortem was conducted yesterday.

President Ruto yesterday condoled with the family of the late General Ogolla at their home in Nairobi.

He described Gen Ogolla as a dedicated, professional and visionary leader who had served his nation passionately.

He said his loss was not only a big loss to the family, but also to the military and the country.

"Mama Aileen and your children, I want you to know that your husband, the father of your children, was a great Kenyan, a professional soldier and a military officer who made a difference in our republic," he said.

He said Ogolla made a big difference in his short stint as the CDF.

He said Ogolla built synergy with other security agencies to safeguard the nation's security.

President Ruto said under his leadership, there were very few terrorist incidents in the country because he was smart and provided effective leadership.

"If there is one appointment that I made and I am very proud of, it is that of General Ogolla. He was a professional and a leader," he said. "We have lost a man who, I believe, would have transformed our military."

First Lady Rachel Ruto said the death of General Ogolla was a big blow to the nation, and pointed out that he dedicated his time to the service of the nation.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said Ogolla had high hopes for the country and was keen on security.

Siaya Governor James Orengo described him as a humble person who loved associating with everyone despite his rank in the military.