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Ruto, Gachagua visit family of late CDF General Francis Ogolla

President William Ruto, First Lady Rachel Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua visit CDF Francis Ogolla's family. 9X/William Ruto)

By Maureen Kinyanjui | Friday, April 19, 2024

A military honours ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang'ata, including a church service, military parade, and a 19-gun salute.

President William Ruto paid a visit to the Nairobi home of the late Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla, on Friday.

He was received by Aileen, Ogolla's widow, and their two children. The President was accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto, his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, as well as Cabinet Secretaries Aden Duale (Defence) and Kithure Kindiki (Internal Security).

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General Ogolla and nine others tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Sindar area of Elgeyo Marakwet. Only two individuals survived the crash.

In his tribute, President Ruto expressed pride in appointing Gen. Ogolla as the Chief of Defence Forces, stating, "I am proud I appointed Gen. Ogolla the Chief of Defence Forces. He deserved it."

He recounted his disbelief upon hearing the news and sought confirmation from Defence CS Aden Duale.

President Ruto emphasized his reluctance to accept negative news about Ogolla's fate, stating, "When I was told that the CDF was in the plane with other military officers, I took the phone and told Duale, don't tell me negative news."

I am proud I appointed Gen. Ogola the Chief of Defence Forces. He deserved it.

Condoled with the family of Gen. Ogolla, Nairobi pic.twitter.com/L3g015a0ZY
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) April 19, 2024

Defence CS Duale praised Ogolla's leadership legacy, encapsulated by the mantra, "One Force, One Mission," describing him as a decorated and distinguished Kenya Air Force officer who served the country for 40 years.

"General Ogolla's legacy of leadership, encapsulated by the mantra, "One Force, One Mission," will forever inspire us as we honour his memory and mourn his passing," he said.

The appointment of General Francis Ogolla as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) underscored President @WilliamsRuto's commitment to uphold meritocracy and work only with the best brains in moving our beloved country forward.

The General did not disappoint. He delivered to his… pic.twitter.com/szpo4ehvdq
— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) April 19, 2024

A military honours ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang'ata, including a church service, military parade, and a 19-gun salute.

The event will be attended by President Ruto, DP Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, senior government officials, and other dignitaries.

General Ogolla's body will be airlifted to Ng'iya village, Alego Usonga Sub-county, Siaya County, for burial on Sunday, April 21, 2024.

A church service will precede the burial in Nduru, honouring the late CDF's wishes for a burial within 72 hours of his passing.