Siaya County Senator Dr. Oburu Odinga has revealed why former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga missed the burial service of the late Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla.
Oburu was speaking on April 21, 2024, during the late General’s burial ceremony held at Obama K’Ogello Primary School in Ngi’ya Village, Siaya County following his demise in a tragic Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) helicopter crash.
The Senator noted that he was speaking on behalf of the late former Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s family as its representative and due to the absence of his brother Raila.
According to him, Kenyatta and Raila missed the burial due to unavoidable circumstances but instead sent messages of condolences to the family.
“I also want to bring condolences of Uhuru Kenyatta the former President who also sent his condolences to the family. He is out of the country,” said Oburu.
Oburu on why Uhuru and Raila Missed Burial
The Siaya Senator while sending the message of condolences from his brother Raila Amollo Odinga noted that he was a bit indisposed and could not attend the service physically.
Also Read: Why General Ogolla’s Widow Will Go for a Fully Paid KDF Holiday
Oburu while speaking about the KDF helicopter accident asked the government to ensure that thorough investigations were conducted due to the nature of past controversial deaths involving leaders from the Nyanza region.
“Even if it was an accident in this region, we’ve heard so many such accidents and we have also had assassinations of leaders from this region. So, when such things happen, we are a bit suspicious not because of anything but because we want to know the truth,” he added.
The senator revealed the reason for Odinga and Uhuru’s absence after a section of Kenyans raised questions as to why the two leaders did not attend.
Former President Kenyatta had in a statement on April 18 mourned General Ogolla after President William Ruto announced his death.
“It is with great sadness that I have learned of the tragic passing of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of Defence Forces of Kenya. The CDF was not only an accomplished military leader, but also a devoted patriot who dedicated his life to serving and protecting our beloved country,” said Kenyatta.
Also Read: 3 Choices Ogolla Gave to Ruto After Bomas Drama
The former President mourned General Ogolla noting that his leadership, bravery, and unwavering commitment to duty made a lasting impact on KDF and the nation as a whole.
Ogolla Under Kenyatta
Uhuru during his tenure closely worked with the late General as Deputy Commander of the Kenya Air Force (KAF).
Additionally, General Ogolla served as the Commander of the Kenya Air Force, (KAF) and as the Vice CDF during Kenyatta’s tenure.
On the other hand, Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga mourned the late General as a true patriot, a highly decorated soldier, and a consummate professional who served the country with unwavering dedication.
“We join the nation in mourning his loss. Gen. Ogolla. Our hearts go out to his family, his colleagues in the KDF, and the entire nation as we grieve this immense loss,” he said.
Odinga had on April 19 together with other Azimio leaders visited the home of the late CDF to console them following his death.
The Azimio leader further joined President Ruto and other high-ranking military officers at the Ulinzi Sports Complex for the late General’s Memorial Service on April 20.
President Ruto led the nation in bidding farewell to the late military chief in the burial ceremony in Siaya County.
The General died in a helicopter crash on April 18, 2024, last in the border of Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot Counties alongside nine other officers while in a mission.
