The late General Francis Ogolla will be buried in Ngiy’a Village in Siaya County on Sunday 21 April. He had stipulated in his will that he should be buried within 72 hours after his death.
According to the CS for Defence, Aden Duale, the General’s funeral will be attended by President William Ruto and other senior government officials.
On Saturday 20th April, 2024, the Military Honors ceremony shall be undertaken at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Langata. There will also be a military parade.
General Ogolla died in an air crash at Sindar Area, Kaben Location, Tot Division in Elgeyo Marakwet. There were 11 people in the plane, 9 were killed, 2 survived.
Ogolla’s body will be airlifted to Siaya on Sunday and be buried the same day. Afterwards, on April 26, a memorial will be health at Ulinzi Sports Complex according to family wishes.
Lt General Charles Muriu will serve as Chief of Defense Forces in a acting capacity until a new CDF is appointed.
A 19-gun salute in Kenya was inherited from the British practice of gun salutes. To qualift for state funeral, one has to be a president, retired president or Chief of Defense Forces (CDF). However, three civilians received state funerals without military honors in Kenya: Michael Kijana Wamalwa, Wangari Maathai and Lucy Kibaki.
Presidents who die in office receive 21-gun salute and not 19-gun salute which was offered for Moi and Kibaki when they died.
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