Francis Ogolla: Photos Of KDF Boss’s Widow Being Consoled By Daughter Move Kenyans

• Francis Ogolla's widow, Aileen, looked heartbroken during his memorial service held at the Ulinzi Complex in Lang'ata
• Photos of the mother and daughter left Kenyans heartbroken and, at some point, Aileen was seen being comforted by her daughter, Lorna
• Ogolla's son, Joel Rabuku, paid a glowing tribute to his father, sharing information people did not know about the late CDF

Photos of Francis Ogolla’s heartbroken wife being comforted by their daughter, Lorna Omondi, during his memorial service have moved Kenyans to tears. Ogolla will be laid to rest tomorrow.

Francis Ogolla's son's tribute moves Kenyans

During his memorial service held at the Ulinzi Complex in Lang'ata, Ogolla's son, Joel Rabuku Omondi, revealed his father's casket cost the family KSh 6,800.

According to Joel, his casket, draped in the national flag and on which lay the fallen general's boots, was for temporary use as it would be disposed of and the body interred while wrapped in sheets.

He stated that his father abhorred unnecessary complexities in his send-off, going for modest ways of interment.

"Your Excellency (President William Ruto), yesterday I gave you a slight brief on what Mzee would have wanted. Mzee is lying over here; the casket is very simple, rough wood. I'm told it cost only KSh 6,800. He didn't want complexities that would include an expensive coffin. His essence and spirit are no longer with us; it is now finished," he said.

Joel said Ogolla was dressed in his ceremonial uniform, which would also be removed before the burial.

Francis Ogolla's widow heartbroken

Ogolla’s widow, who was dressed in a pitch-black dress and a huge hat, looked heartbroken during the service and, at some point, was seen being comforted by Lorna.

Here are the photos:

Kenyans were touched by the photo and reactions include:

Samwel Wekesa said:

"I wish his family strength and resilience as they mourned his passing. May the fond memories they shared bring them peace and comfort, and strength."

Mwezezo said:

"Very heartbreaking, may their souls rest peacefully!"

Hil Larie said:

"This gal is strong."

Zeddy Jepkosgei said:

"So sad . Pole."

Evans Okemwa said:

"Take heart, it's indeed painful."

Bre Mamasgal said:

"The pain. We can't even fathom it hits so deep. Mama, we cannot even cover that space that has been left. God will do it."

Phoebe Achieng said:

"May God give you peace, mama."

Christer Christer said:

"Take heart mum and your children, it's extremely painful."

Anne Nangila said:

"Take heart, mama. Let sir God be with you all the time. It's very painful indeed."

Joyce Arsenal said:

"May God give you peace mama."

Sally Obanyi said:

"You have a strong son. May God comfort you."

General Francis Ogolla's final journey

• Francis Ogolla died in a chopper crash on Thursday, April 18, while in the company of nine junior but ranking military officials.
• Their bodies were airlifted to Nairobi's Embakasi Garrison, where an interdenominational prayer was held.
• A Kenyan script writer, Kipkurui Wilberforce, penned a tearjerking poem mourning the eight victims who perished in the chopper crash alongside CDF Francis Ogolla
• Meanwhile, the Kenya Air Force dispatched a team of specialised investigators to probe and establish the cause of the crash.

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