As the sun rises over the lush landscapes of Ng’iya village this Sunday, it will shine on a congregation gathered not just in grief, but in grandeur homage to a hero whose life, though tragically cut short, was a beacon of courage and dedication. General Francis Omondi Ogolla, a gallant general of the Kenya Defence Forces, will be laid to rest in a ceremony that promises to mirror the profound impact he had on his nation and the void his passing leaves behind.
The skies of Nairobi whispered in mournful winds as the news broke last Thursday; a chopper crash had claimed the life of a stalwart, a protector of peace. General Ogolla, decorated with the highest honors such as the Elder of the Golden Heart (EGH) and the Distinguished Service Star (HSC), was more than a military man; he was a father, a mentor, and a pillar in his community.
The funeral procession, meticulously planned to reflect the solemn dignity and protocol befitting a man of General Ogolla’s stature, will commence with a Military Honours Ceremony on Saturday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata. This prelude to his final journey will see the armed forces pay their respects in a tradition-steeped ceremony, starting from 1 pm, with all attending to be seated in quiet reverence by 11 am. The poignant echoes of the last post will resonate, not just through the complex, but through the hearts of all present.
On Sunday, the core of the commemorative events moves to Senator Obama K’Ogello Primary School in Ng’iya Village, Siaya County—the General’s beloved home. Here, amidst the green expanses of his roots, friends, family, and comrades will gather at 10 am for a funeral service imbued with both solemnity and the celebration of a life extraordinarily lived. This will not merely be a farewell; it will be a tribute to a man who stood firm in the face of adversity, whose leadership was guided by both wisdom and warmth.
General Ogolla will be interred in his ancestral grounds, enveloped by the lands he loved, the people he protected, and the family he cherished. As the soil of Ng’iya embraces him for the last time, the legacy he leaves behind will continue to inspire generations.
In this moment of profound loss, we remember General Francis Omondi Ogolla not just for the uniform he wore with pride or the medals that adorned his chest, but for his indomitable spirit, his unyielding integrity, and his unwavering commitment to his country and its people. As the bugle sounds and the flags flutter at half-mast, let us hold dear the memory of a life well-lived, a duty fully served, and a legacy that will forever illuminate the annals of our nation.
Rest in peace, General. Your march may have ended, but your story marches on in our hearts and in the history of Kenya.
Kisumu City News
