The memorial service in honor of the late General Francis Omondi Ogolla that was slated for Friday, April 26, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata, has been deferred.
The announcement on the postponement was made through a joint statement issued by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and Gen Ogolla’s family. A new date for the memorial service will be communicated soon.
No specific reason was provided for the postponement.
“Following the overwhelming support and state burial of General Francis Ogolla, the Memorial service scheduled for Friday 26 April 2024 at the Ulinzi Sports Complex- Langata is now postponed.”
“A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Whereas, the three-day national period of mourning has come to a close and we re-engage in life without General Francis Ogolla, collectively may we continue to pray for the family of General Ogolla and all our fallen Comrades following the helicopter crash,” the statement said.
The family expressed gratitude for the support received, including 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.”
“In his memory may we cherish the virtues and attributes we learnt 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,” read the statement.
Gen Ogolla was laid to rest at his residence in Ng’iya, Siaya County, on Sunday.
In accordance with his wishes, he was buried shortly before 4 pm without a coffin and draped in a simple cloth.
The final rites were attended by family, friends, military personnel, and current and former government officials.
Gen Ogolla was honored with a 19-gun salute, akin to the late former presidents Mwai Kibaki and Daniel Moi.
