A recently revealed will written by the late Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Omondi Ogolla, has unveiled a side of him few ever saw—a man of strict order even to the last detail.
In a quietly filed document that’s now capturing national attention, the late military chief laid bare how he wished his legacy to live on – through his immediate family .
The will’s revelation comes at a time when the nation marked the first anniversary of the fallen military chief.
The will was filed on June 3, 2024, by Miller & Company Advocates at the High Court Family Division in Nairobi, and details how General Ogolla intended to distribute his estate—an impressive portfolio that includes land parcels, vehicles, bank accounts, and investments—among his wife and children.
Written on July 11, 2012, the will was signed in the presence of two colleagues, Lieutenant Colonel John Njenga and Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Sane.
It clearly stated that Ogolla’s children, Lorna Achieng and Joel Rabuku, would manage his estate after his death. His instructions were straightforward and left little room for interpretation.
“I declare that they shall both execute the duties herein for free without charge and expectation of remuneration or advantage over the beneficiary of my estate,” the will reads. Both Achieng and Joel were given equal powers, duties, and liabilities as conferred on executors and administrators of the deceased persons’ estates by Sections 79 to 95 of the Law of Succession Act.
The first mandate of the executors was to pay all his just debts as well as funeral and testamentary expenses, if any, before distributing his wealth.
The will revealed a man who was both practical and private.
Unlike many who leave behind elaborate memorials and public celebrations of life, Ogolla requested a quiet, no-frills funeral. His specific instructions called for a private ceremony to be held within 72 hours of his passing. There were to be no public advertisements, whether in print or media, and only a few close family members and pallbearers would attend.
“I direct that upon my demise, the funeral is to be held as a private ceremony within 72 hours and NOT any later,” Ogolla wrote.
“It SHALL be attended by pallbearers and close family members. A memorial service MAY be held after the burial. No advertisement in the print, audio media, or any other form whatsoever is to be done. No other ceremony is to be done after the memorial service.”
At the time of his tragic death, Ogolla’s net worth was estimated at KSh 150 million.
His wealth was primarily tied to property investments, including shares in an investment firm, Felora, as well as sacco shares and associated benefits.
He also held at least nine bank accounts, owned three vehicles, two residential houses, and a total of six properties—four located in Siaya and two in Central Alego and East Alego.
Wealth Breakdown
General Ogolla bequeathed to his wife, Aileen Ogolla, 50 percent of his service benefits and all other emoluments, pensions, gratuities, and compensations accruing to him by virtue of his service in the Armed Forces.
His son Joel and daughter Achieng were allocated 25 percent each of the benefits.
He also bequeathed his wife a property on Hatheru Road and directed that in the event the wife is not there for whatever reason, the apartment shall be jointly owned by Achieng and Joel.
General Ogolla handed his daughter a flat, all his shares in NIC Securities, and a Luo Bible his mother left him. Joel, on the other hand, was allocated a flat in Pangani (Nairobi), all his parcel of land situated at or near the Siaya Airstrip, together with all developments that were in it. He also bequeathed Joel all his personal belongings and artefacts and ordered that personal clothing be disposed of by burning.
“Any property not included in this will is to be jointly owned by Joel Rabuku Omondi and Lorna Achieng Omondi. Alternatively, the two may mutually agree on how to share it. Thereafter, the executors’ duties herein shall terminate,” Ogolla’s will read.
“To all my relatives – good luck.”
General Ogolla was laid to rest on April 21, 2024, in Ng’iya village, Siaya County. The ceremony was simple, with his body wrapped in sheets, reflecting his desire to emulate the humility of Jesus Christ in death.
