Francis Ogolla: 5 Photos Of KDF Boss, Family During Happy Times

• Francis Ogolla left behind a widow, Aileen Kathambi, two children, Joel Rabuku and Lorna Omondi and a grandchild
• The Chief of Defence Forces was involved in a chopper crash on April 18, and his remains were interred at his Ng'iya home in Siaya county
• Ogolla was eulogised as a great and dedicated family man who adored his family so much

Francis Ogolla was laid to rest at his Ng'iya home in Siaya county three days after his death, as per his will.

Francis Ogolla's sister reveals his last wish

Ogolla died 10 days shy of his first anniversary at the KDF boss job.

Peris, the eldest sister to Ogolla, eulogised him as a great man, funny, generous and kindhearted, and her glowing tribute tickled mourners, among them his widow, Aileen.

Peris revealed the CDF planned a holiday for his wife, which she told KDF to execute.

1. Francis Ogolla, the romantic husband

Ogolla loved his beautiful wife, Aileen, who is the chairperson of the Military Wives Welfare Association of Kenya (MWAK).

The two were happily married and blessed with two children, Joel Rabuku and Lorna Omondi.

The lovebirds were blessed with one grandson, Lorna's son.

2. Francis Ogolla attends son's wedding

Among the photos in Ogolla's eulogy book was a photo of him at his son's wedding.

The KDF boss loved his family dearly, and while eulogising him, one by one, his family members, including children, talked about the great father he was.

3. Francis Ogolla, the loving grandfather

Ogolla was a doting grandfather to his lovely grandson, Taji.

His daughter, pampered him with love, sharing how he took her son (his grandkid) out.

"He was very present and loving. Fathers, be present in your children's lives," Lorna said while eulogising her father.

4. Francis Ogolla, a great father and mentor

Kenyans, including President William Ruto, were awed by Ogolla's children's composure, eloquence and courage during their father's burial.

Eulogising his father, Joel described him as a jovial, straightforward man and a dedicated soldier.

Joel urged Kenyans to celebrate him and not wear sad faces.

"I am seeing very many sad faces, but general would just be wondering what people are sad about, especially since he has prepared us for this day for a long time, and you guys should look a bit happier because we as a family are leaning on his faith, on our faith, and that of Jesus Christ which was his cornerstone for everything," Rabuku said.

He added:

"General is in a good place. I got to see him yesterday and today as I was going to get his belongings. Those of you who know general and his sister Peris, they had a cheeky smile, and I can tell you that he is resting right now with a cheeky smile on his face...msivurute sura sana na yeye in death anashangaa (don't be so dull because he is wondering) what is the issue. It is going to be well for us," he stated.

5. Francis Ogolla was a great man

Photos of the KDF boss and his family featured prominently in his obituary.

Ogolla's sister, brother, cousins, friends and children admitted that apart from his job, to which he dedicated much of his time, he loved his family too and spent quality time with them.

The goner's children reminisced about the times they spent with their father, revealing he prepared them for death.

They also shared some of the things he taught them, among them kindness, respect, and to work hard in academics.

Here is a video compilation of the general's photos with his family:

All about Francis Ogolla's funeral

• Aileen Ogolla was overcome with emotions during her husband's memorial service, and their daughter was seen comforting her.
• Francis Ogolla's widow and daughter broke down as the body of the KDF boss was lowered into the ground
• Rachel Ruto shed tears as Ogolla's body was lowered to the ground.
• Joel Rabuku revealed his father, Ogolla, was friends with President William Ruto and Rigathi Gachagua.

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke