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The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will pay tribute to the late Chief of Defence Forces Gen Francis Ogolla with a 19-gun salute, marking the esteemed rank of its departed leader.
Ogolla, distinguished as a four-star general, will be accorded the ceremonial honor of a 19-gun salute, a customary tribute reserved for dignitaries such as vice presidents, speakers of the Senate and National Assembly, chief justices, state governors, chiefs of staff, and similarly ranked military leaders in the United States.
Former presidents also receive this honour, as witnessed during the state funerals of Presidents Daniel Moi and Mwai Kibaki on February 12, 2020, and April 30, 2022, respectively.
While the 19-gun salute entails the firing of real guns, military funerals and honor guards utilize blanks rather than live artillery shells.
A higher honour, the 21-gun salute, is exclusively reserved for the head of state, who serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
Nevertheless, former Presidents may receive a 21-gun salute if the incumbent President mandates their burial in full military regalia.
During the ceremony at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata, Nairobi, KDF will render its utmost respect to its fallen leader.
In addition to the 19-gun salute, Ogolla will be commemorated with a reveille, a moment of silence, and the missing man formation.
A statement from Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale outlined that President William Ruto, his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, and various dignitaries will attend the ceremony at Ulinzi.
Anticipated attendees include senior government officials, parliamentary leaders, members of the judiciary, political figures, security sector commanders, and diplomats.
“The tribute will encompass a church service, military parade, and the ceremonial 19-gun salute,” stated Duale.
As per the military’s schedule, Ogolla's remains will depart from the Mashujaa Funeral Home for the Ulinzi Sports Complex at 11:30 a.m.
The ceremony, set to commence a few minutes before 1 p.m., will include prayers, speeches, and the military honors.
Ogolla was among the ten officers who perished in a helicopter crash on Thursday near the border of Elgeyo Marakwet and Uasin Gichu counties.
They were engaged in a peace mission within the conflict-ridden Rift Valley region, plagued by incidents of cattle rustling and banditry.
His body will be airlifted to Ng’iya village, Alego Usonga sub-county in Siaya County, on Sunday morning for interment the same day.
Duale further announced a national memorial service on Friday, April 26, 2024, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata, aligning with the wishes of the family.
Ruto declared three days of national mourning in honor of Ogolla's memory.
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