Francis Ogolla memorial service: General revered for his humility, simplicity even in death

The death of General Francis Ogolla in a helicopter crash on Thursday has revealed a side of him that many were not familiar with.

Testimonies by his son Joel Ogolla, revelations of his last wishes and confessions by senior politicians revealed how the general embodied humility despite having traversed the world throughout his life and having surmounted major odds to rise to the epitome of his career.

The General died on Thursday this week following a military helicopter crash alongside nine others during a tour of duty to the banditry-hit North Rift region.

Ordinarily, such a death would take days to come to terms with and even more to prepare for the internment of the remains. But the late Ogolla, in his humility and preference for simplicity, sought to be buried within 72 hours of his passing and be buried draped with cloth at his chosen final resting ground.

His son said, Ogolla had on numerous occasions prepared his family for this day.

"Your excellency, when we were picking him up at the morgue, I am glad that your direction for merging the military honours and his wishes has been respected. The casket he is lying in is a very rough, simple wooden one that I'm told cost only Sh6,800. His essence and spirit are no longer with us, this is just the body that he served us with, it is finished," Joel said.

Joel Ogolla, son of General Francis Ogolla. (PCS)

He said contrary to questions by many on whether his father was Muslim, because of his choice of burial rites, his father was exemplifying the simplicity of Jesus in the Bible who was draped on cloth during his burial.

"Right now mzee is wearing the number one uniform he wore during functions but we will remove that and drape him in a sheet of cloth and lay him to the ground d so that he can return to the ground as quickly as possible just the way he wanted it," Joel added.

President William Ruto recalled the late general's humility saying his life exemplified humility.

"Lessons on humility characterised the life of General Ogolla. Even in his death, he is giving us lessons and lectures on humility. This very function is the epitome of humility," said President Ruto.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recalled moments when the late General visited his office to gift him on his birthday.

"The man was pleasant, humble and amiable. He was also very kind and I am a beneficiary of his kindness. Late February this year, I was informed that the Chief of Defence Forces was waiting to see me, I couldn't understand because I was not expecting him, he had not said he was coming and in ordinary circumstances, if a CDF has come without notice, you sort of panic."

"I stopped a meeting and asked him to come in, and asked him what brings him here. The General was holding a big card and said he had come to wish me a happy birthday, and I was not even aware it was my birthday," recalled the DP.

Memorial service of General Francis Ogolla Ulinzi Sports Complex, Lang'ata. (PCS)

He further mentioned how the late General would engage him with stories and jokes at the airport whenever they were escorting the President to the airport for a trip abroad and when waiting to receive him from a trip abroad.

"Despite being a tough and celebrated commander known for his various accomplishments, he was also a very humorous man and many times in tense situations, he would make everybody feel comfortable," added the DP.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi also described Ogolla as the epitome of humility.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga said General Ogolla was ready to die for his country.

"We take comfort in listening to his son, he has shown how simple his father was and I know him because he is a personal friend. He is a man of very few words, an accomplished golfer and a man who also knows his responsibilities to society. He has mentored and taught very many young Kenyans," said Odinga.

The general will be buried on Sunday at his home in Siaya County.