General Ogolla's Memorial service postponed

The KDF, in a joint statement with the late General's family, stated that a new date for the memorial service will be announced in the coming days. 

The statement did not immediately explain why the ceremony had been postponed, but it did mention that the family had received overwhelming support and attendance at the Sunday state funeral.

 " We have been reflecting on his immense influence and the far reaching impact he had as a military General, a patriot, a national leader, a Christian and as a family man," part of the statement reads. 

 "In his memory may we cherish the virtues and attributes we leamt from his life and be grateful to the Almighty Lord for the privilege to interact with him and to bear witness to his way of life."

General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the late Chief of Defence Forces, was laid to rest at his home in Ng'iya, Siaya County, on Sunday afternoon.

General Ogolla was buried some minutes before 4 p.m. without a coffin; only a piece of cloth covering his body, per his wish.

The final ceremony was attended only by family members, friends, members of the military, as well as current and former government officials.

Ogolla was accorded a 19-gun salute similar to the late former presidents Mwai Kibaki and Daniel Moi. Mourners observed a minute of silence in honour of the departed Kenya Defence Forces boss.

President William Ruto, First Lady Rachael Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale were among the government officials who laid wreaths at Ogolla’s gravesite.

The military chief died Thursday afternoon in a helicopter crash alongside nine other officers.

Ogolla had directed that he be buried within 72 hours of his death.

The 62-year-old is survived by his widow, Aileen Kathambi Ogolla and two children; Lorna Achieng’ Omondi and Joel Rabuku Omondi Ogolla.