The family of the late Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla has announced the burial date for the late General following his demise in a tragic chopper accident.
Ogolla’s eldest brother Canon Hezekiah Oduor who was speaking to the press on April 19, 2024, revealed that the burial arrangements were already underway according to his wish.
The late general will be buried on Sunday, April 21, 2024, in honor of his wish, according to the family.
“The decision to be buried on Sunday was his wish. He had informed the family that upon his demise he be buried in 72 hours in a simple ceremony,” Canon Oduor noted.
General Ogolla’s sister Perez Onyango on her part noted that the departed General in his will had expressed the desire to be buried between 48 and 72 hours.
General Ogolla last respect
According to the family, the burial will be held on the said date at his home in Ng’iya, Alego Usonga, Siaya County.
Also Read: Meet Survivor of KDF Chopper Crash That Killed CDF Ogolla
The family further informed the press that the late General had made plans to celebrate his father’s birthday.
They further said that General Ogolla was supposed to travel to the village to help with preparations for two consecutive events.
First, Ogolla’s father who had reached the century milestone was to celebrate his birthday on Saturday.
According to the family, General Ogolla was also scheduled to attend a consecration of the St. Thomas Nduru Anglican Church on Sunday.
The family however revealed that the celebrations of Mzee Joel would continue on the planned date even as the family proceeds with the burial preparations.
General Ogolla died on April 18, 2024, after a Kenya Air Force (KAF) chopper he was travelling in crashed.
Also Read: Bell Huey: Details of Chopper General Ogolla Was Using & US Air Force History
The late general died alongside nine other Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) officers who were accompanying him for an operation in the North Rift.
KDF Chopper Crash
President William Ruto while announcing the passing on of the General revealed that the late was aboard the KAF Huey chopper alongside 11 other military personnel, 2 of whom survived.
According to the statement by Ruto, the gallant military personnel who passed on alongside the General were identified as Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.
Brigadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe and Major George Benson Magondu were also identified as victims of the tragic crash.
Announcing the burial plans of Brigadier General Swaleh, Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro noted that the deceased hailing from Kikambala, Kilifi, County would be buried on April 19 in accordance with Islamic rites.
“On behalf of my administration and the people of Kilifi, our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and the Kenya Defence Forces Brigadier Swaleh leaves behind a legacy of service and dedication that will be remembered and cherished by many. May his memory continue to inspire us all. Rest in peace, Brigadier Swaleh,” said the governor.
President Ruto announced 3 days of national mourning in honor of the life and the distinguished military career of the fallen general, who lost his life in active military duty.
The head of State further confirmed that the Kenya Air Force (KAF) has constituted and dispatched an air investigations team, to establish the cause of the air crash.
