Francis Ogolla: Church Says CDF Gave 90% Towards Church Construction, 100% For Furniture

• The death of General Francis Ogolla has hit St Thomas Nduru Church in Siaya County hard
• This is because the CDF was a generous congregant who went to great lengths to resource the House of God
• In one of the instances, he gave 90% towards the construction of a new sanctuary, which he never got to launch

The community has recognised the deceased Chief of the Defence Forces, Francis Ogolla, for his substantial contributions to the development of the church.

General Ogolla may have risen to one of the highest ranks in Kenya, but generosity and community development flowed in his veins.

CDF Ogolla was a thoroughbred philanthropist

In a remarkable act of generosity, the philanthropic soldier contributed an impressive 90% to the construction of the St Thomas Nduru Church.

Due to his undying love for God, his benevolence did not stop at constructing the church’s walls.

He also furnished the church entirely, which speaks volumes about his commitment to spiritual well-being.

According to the church, he provided 100% of the furniture needed to make the house of worship a comfortable and welcoming place for all.

Ogolla also supplied water to Nduru village

Understanding the vital role of water in sustaining life, Ogolla took it upon himself to address the area's water scarcity.

"He drilled a well and purchased two large water tanks to supply water not only to the church but also to the neighbouring Nduru Secondary School," the church representative stated.

The ripple effect of Ogolla’s philanthropy can be felt throughout the educational sector.

Nduru Primary School also completely renovated all its classrooms, a project spearheaded by Ogolla.

Ogolla revived Military Christian Fellowship

He didn’t just revamp the structures; he also provided new desks, ensuring that the students had a conducive learning environment.

In a further display of his community spirit, Ogolla extended his generosity to St Andrews Church in the vicinity, donating KSh 100,000.

At work, Ogolla supported the revival of Military Christian Fellowship of Kenya activities after taking over as the CDF.

Fellow KDF officers described Ogolla as a humble leader who made everyone feel comfortable, even in spaces where they deemed themselves inferior.

What else you need to know about Francis Ogolla

• The saddest part of the story is that Ogolla never got to inaugurate the church he built, as he will be buried on the day he was meant to launch it.
• He died on Thursday, April 18, alongside nine other military officers in a helicopter crash at the border of West Poot and Marakwet East.
• One of Ogolla's wishes was to be buried at his rural home in Siaya within 72 hours of passing and without a coffin.

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