His Excellency Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces today led the military fraternity, Kenyans and members of the Diplomatic Corps in the burial of the fallen Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla at Siaya County. He was accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs. Racheal Ruto, Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, and Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Defence Hon. Aden Duale, among other government officials.
During the funeral service, held at Obama K’Ogello Primary School in Ngi’ya Village, the President eulogized with the family of the late CDF and the Kenya Defence Forces fraternity, terming the passing of General Ogolla as a tragic loss to the country.
He described General Ogolla as a consummate military officer, a passionate commander and a patriotic citizen of Kenya of great humility and integrity, who stood tall and deserved his appointment as the CDF because of his credentials, integrity and professionalism.
“I was very proud working with General Ogolla and I know for sure that I made the right decision and if I had another chance of appointing him, I could appoint him again as the CDF. I am very confident, as I was then, that in the hands of Gen Ogolla, the security of Kenya was assured.” said the Head of State.
President Ruto said that the late General Ogolla demonstrated in strategy, in word and in deed that he loved this country, and he stopped at nothing to make sure that Kenya was safe, and every soldier, wherever they were, inside and outside the country, was serving to the best of their ability.
The President said that he has full confidence in Major General Omenda, Commander Kenya Air Force, and the team he has appointed to make sure that all details are laid bare on the accident that took away the lives of General Ogolla and nine other Senior Officers, Officers and Service Members.
The CS Defence, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), expressed his heartfelt sorrow at the tragic passing of General Francis Ogolla, saying the CDF’s commitment and exemplary leadership have left an indelible mark on Kenya’s defence.
“As we bid farewell to General Ogolla, let us also reaffirm our dedication to embodying the values of courage, integrity, and patriotism that he embodied. His memory will serve as a perpetual inspiration as we work to safeguard our beloved nation,” said the CS.
The military fraternity paid their final honours and accorded the late CDF a 19-gun salute at Mor Village Siaya County in line with the Defence Forces Standing Instructions No.5 of 2020 which among others, defines the military honours during the Interment of a General, where burial rites were performed before his body was lowered into the grave.
Also present were the Prime Cabinet Secretary and CS for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Hon. Moses Wetangula, Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lieutenant General Charles Kahariri, and Service Commanders, among other senior government and military officers.
May God rest the soul of the late General Francis Omondi Ogolla in eternal peace.
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