Chief of Defence Forces Francis Omondi Ogolla buried in Siaya

Kenya's military chief, Francis Omondi Ogolla, was buried on Sunday at his home in the Ng'iya area of Alego Usonga, Siaya County, in an elaborate ceremony that President William Ruto and many government officials attended.

Gen. Ogolla died, aged 62, in a crash in Sindar, Elgeyo Marakwet, when the Kenya Air Force Huey helicopter he was travelling in, alongside 11 other military officials, crashed and burned at around 2.20 pm. There were two survivors.

Three days after his death, in line with his wish, he was buried; all rites had been completed by about 4 pm.

A file picture of Kenya's Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Omondi Ogoll. (Photo: Luis Tato/AFP)

Ogolla's body, draped in a sheet, was lowered into the grave by military officials, his brothers, and his son in a private ceremony attended by his family, President Ruto, senior military and government officials, and the media.

His choice of a simple burial without a casket left lessons on humility—a virtue many praised him for teaching throughout his life.

The CDF's softer side came up speech after speech, with several speakers revealing his selfless love for the country and pursuit of excellence, painting a picture of a sincere military man whose death was a huge loss for Kenya.

There were also rare images of military officers shedding tears, gazing into space or lighting candles.

President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto are pictured during General Francis Omondi Ogolla's funeral service in Siaya County on April 21, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

Gen. Ogolla did not fear death; in her tribute, his sister Peris said he instructed her several times to ensure three things happened after he died.

"He told me, 'Peris, a soldier can die anytime. If I die, I need to be buried within 48 hours. I asked him what he meant and he said, 'Peris, I know you can give them problems so I am adding you more hours, so let it be 72 hours'."

She added that he showed her where to be buried.

"The third thing he told me was, 'When I die, after the burial, Jeshi (the military) should give Mama Achieng money to go on holiday," she said.

Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Omondi Ogolla's family - son Joel, widow Aileen and daughter Lorna - are pictured ahead of his funeral service at the Senator Obama K'Ogello Primary School in Siaya County on April 21, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

In her tribute to her father, Lorna recalled a time when he was admitted to the Mashujaa Memorial Hospital for two months with a fish bone lodged in his intestines.

The mishap happened in 2005, when he had enrolled in a French course at the Alliance Française, which he needed to finish in six months before proceeding to France to study at the Ecole Militaire. This Napoleon Bonaparte school is one of the best in that country.

Joel Ogolla and his mother, Aileen, are pictured on April 21, 2024, at the gravesite of his father, Chief of Defence Forces Francis Omondi Ogolla, in Alego Usonga, Siaya County. (Photo: PCS)

She recalled how during this period, her father would, with the help of her mother, Aileen, sneak out of the hospital to sit for his French exam so as not to disappoint the government even as a junior officer.

"He made it; he passed that level that was needed, did his postgraduate diploma and made excellent friends from around the world, which is why we have been getting many messages. He met many of them at that school. They were reaching out to us and have been so supportive," she said.

This also explains the presence of many foreign dignitaries, both at the memorial service at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday and the internment ceremony in Ng'iya on Sunday, as well as the outpouring of condolence messages from members of the diplomatic corps on social media platforms.

General Francis Omondi Ogolla's boots are pictured on his coffin at his funeral service in Siaya County on April 21, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

Lorna also recalled that during Operation Linda Linchi, her father was a commander at the Laikipia Airbase, overseeing multiple operations at the base and across the borders but he somehow managed to attend his degree course at Nairobi University, which he passed with first-class honours.

"He never needed to tell Joel and me to work hard because we saw him do it. He worked as if he were working for God; he had an audience of one. How could I not be this?"

During his term as CDF, General Ogolla had only conducted one media interview with the KBC, during which he spelled out his vision for the KDF and revealed his mantra for the military - "One force, one mission."

"He did not like being in the limelight. He appreciated just doing his work in silence and not having people talk about it, so not many knew he was my father. I was deeply inspired by his works," Lorna said.

Religious leaders lead prayers at the funeral service of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla in Siaya County on April 21, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

Charlene Ruto, President Ruto's daughter, said she encountered the CDF once during his term in service, during which he expressed his care and love for young people, and determination to see them succeed.

"Kenya has lost a Chief of Defence Forces but as young people, we are deeply saddened because we have lost our mentor and champion," she said.

First Lady Rachel Ruto reacts during Chief of Defence Forces Francis Omondi Ogolla’s funeral service in Alego Usonga, Siaya County, on April 21, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

The Vice Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. General Charles Muriu Kahariri, said the loss, though shocking and huge for the military, has not altered operations.

"He was the best fighter pilot Kenya ever produced. I assure the president that, as the General would have wanted, we continue to soldier on and ensure the security of this country so nothing has changed as far as our duties are concerned," he said.

"Fare thee well, our General. May his soul rest in peace."

Military and government officials attend General Francis Omondi Ogolla's funeral service in Siaya County on April 21, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

After the laying of the wreath, the General's wife was handed his medals, uniform, a pair of his official boots, a Kenyan flag and the military colours, and his sword, marking the end of the ceremony.

On Saturday, his son Joel requested to be given his Bible to keep as a memento.

The symbolic handing over of the ceremonial and official items signifies the General's end of duty.