In a bid to honour the late Kenya Defence Forces boss, General Francis Ogolla will be accorded a 19 gun salute today during a Military Honours ceremony complete with a military parade before his burial on Sunday 21st April.
According to a statement from Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, the Military Honours ceremony is currently happening at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata.
President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi are among the dignitaries that will grace the military led ceremony.
“The honours will include a church service, military parade and a 19-gun salute. President William Ruto, the Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, will attend the ceremony,” said Duale.
“Others will be Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Senior government officials, the leadership of Parliament, the Judiciary, political leaders, commanders of the security sector and members of the Diplomatic Corps.” he added.
Program for the interment of General Francis Omondi Ogolla. pic.twitter.com/e0wYnpJUMd
— Kenya Defence Forces (@kdfinfo) April 19, 2024
The Chief of Kenya Defense Forces died on Thursday, April 18 2024 in a military chopper crash at Sindar area in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The memorial service for the late General at Ulinzi Sports Complex is however closed off to the public as it is solemn military affair and only his immediate family and a selected group of guests have been allowed entry into the stadium.
The decision to keep the service private reflects the military’s desire to pay tribute to Ogolla more personally and respectfully.
Today’s ceremony includes military honors which have been organized in his honor as per the Defence Forces Standing Instructions No. 5 of 2020. The befitting send-off is also in recognition of his service and leadership.
Ogolla is set to be laid to rest on April 21 at his Ng’iya home in Alego Usonga in Siaya County.
According to his family, it was his wishes that be buried within 72 hours of his death.