Bittersweet moment for Gen. Ogolla's family as they celebrate father's 100th birthday
Nyanza
By
Olivia Odhiambo and Isaiah Gwengi
| Apr 20, 2024
In a bittersweet gathering, the family of the late Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla celebrated his late father’s Mzee Joel Oyeyo's 100th birthday,
The event, organized by Gen. Ogolla before the tragic helicopter crash that claimed his life and nine other military officers, brought both joy and sorrow to the family's Masumbi village home in Alego Usonga.
Amidst songs of celebration for Mzee Oyeyo's milestone, mourners grappled with the loss of Gen. Ogolla.
A church service, led by the Anglican Church, marked the culmination of the birthday festivities.
READ MORE
Safaricom consortium gets Sh104b contract for digital health system
Why Kenya-Germany jobs deal is double-edged sword for workers
Kenya's nuclear electricity plan faces cost, environment hurdles
Regulation of fintech needs to promote stability, innovation
Experts call on farmers to grow drought resilient crops
Regulation of fintech must promote stability and innovation
Ongoing labour unrests are early signs of an economy that's about to collapse
Trailers and weighbridges: The untold story
Political leaders, government officials, and relatives paid tribute to the late General, highlighting his leadership and generosity.
"Today we had arranged that we would celebrate Mzee's birthday. The planning was being done by the General himself and he had assigned each family member a role. He was spearheading it," noted his brother-in-law, Prof Julius Ochuodho.
Further plans for the celebration, including the consecration of a village Anglican Church constructed by Gen. Ogolla, were set for Sunday.
During the birthday gathering, the family praised Gen. Ogolla as a compassionate individual who cared for widows and exhibited unparalleled generosity. "He had a heart that even mine cannot compare to," remarked his eldest sister, Pères Onyango.
As preparations for CDF Gen. Ogolla's burial continue, Interior PS Raymond Omollo outlined the proceedings.
The funeral ceremony will be restricted to military leadership, senior government officials, and family members, and will include a service at Senator Barrack Obama Primary School followed by a private consecration service at a church, and finally, the General's interment at his home.
"I appeal to political leaders that let us live up to his wishes during the burial," urged PS Omollo, emphasizing that General Ogolla will be laid to rest according to military protocols and his personal wishes.
- How Gen Z protests exposed Kenya's perennial trust problem
- How Ruto like Uhuru before him, is fast losing trust and power