Kenyan citizens led by their President, William Ruto has gave the late Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla who kick the bucket (lost his life) while on duty, following the awful crash of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) helicopter airflight in Sindar, Elgeyo- Marakwet County, a befitting burial and sendoff.

On Sunday, the late General was laid to rest at his Alego home in Siaya County in a flashing and rocking ceremony spiced up with a 19-gun salute. Among dignitaries who graced the burial is the First Lady Rachel Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet, ministers among others.

The President William Ruto who had earlier on paid condolence visit to the deceased family of the late Chief of the Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla at their residence, described the General as a dedicated, committed, professional and visionary leader who served his nation with passion and utmost loyalty.

He described General Ogolla’s demise as not only a big loss to the family, but also to the military and the country in general, urged the family to find comfort and patience in the knowledge and fact that the late General made Kenyan nation proud.

Ruto said as quoted "General Ogolla was a great Kenyan, a professional soldier and a military officer who made a difference in our republic".Source

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During Ogolla’s burial service at Obama K’Ogello Primary School, President Ruto highlighted that he was very delighted and happy to have chosen and have close work association with the late CDF.

"He loved this country and wanted the best for Kenya and would stop at nothing to make sure that Kenya was safe,"he said"Source

Ruto further assured the citizens of non-compromised findings and investigation on the root cause of the accident that snatched off the General's life and that of nine other Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers of the military.

"I want to assure the country that KDF and the Kenya Air Force have the requisite integrity and professionalism to make sure that there will be no shroud of doubt on what happened to General Ogolla,"Source he expressed himself further.

The President highlighted that the days of extrajudicial and unlawful killings coupled with political assassinations are long gone.

He buttressed his remarks by saying "There shall never be extrajudicial killings or political assassinations. It will never happen again that bodies float in River Yala. Not under my watch".Source

President Ruto also said tribalism and ethnicity will no longer be a function that decide the politics and governance affairs of the country. He further said every Kenyan nationals will have an equal opportunity to serve the nation on the ground of merit with no iota and consideration of tribal lineage and political affiliation.

According to the State of Kenya, Ruto made it clear that there is no group or any community or any region in Kenya that is entitled or has ultimate rights to any position in Kenya and that Kenya belongs to all of its Citizens with equal entitlement and rights before the constitution.

He clarified that he will give every child in the country the hope and ignition that they can grow up and become anything they want based on their achievements and merits

He was quoted as saying; "I want every child, as they grow up in Kenya, to know that merit is going to be the yardstick of how far they can go," Source he said.

"That is the Kenya we all want to belong to. That is the Kenya I will work hard to make sure becomes a reality,"Source he stated further

Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua, Kenyan's vice-versa commended the General Ogolla’s leadership capabilities and manpower, saying he made positive impact in the military during his tenure of service to the country.

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Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi Kenyan's prime cabinet secretary also said the late CDF was not only an accomplished and achieved military personnel and a leader but also a diplomat. "He used these skills to serve his country,"Source he said.

Moses Francis Masika Wetang'ula (current Speaker of the National Assembly of Kenya) described the late CDF as a professional military leader whose contribution to the nation’s security is highly resourceful with a vast knowledge of how the security of the region can be guaranteed and structured.

Aden Duale (Defence Cabinet Secretary) described General Ogolla as a man of accountability, honour and integrity whose adminstrative role in the military will be highly missed and lost. Others including the opposition leaders also made their remarks at the national burial service.

That's all as regards this lengthy post. Thanks for the usual follow up and support as it is.