The untimely demise of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla has plunged his family, community, and nation into mourning.
Recounting their last moments with him, Ogolla's family, led by his eldest sister, Peres Anyango, expressed profound grief and disbelief.
"The death of Ogolla my brother is a blow to the family, community and nation at large. To us, our star is dead. Our hero is no more,” Anyango lamented.
Anyango reminisced how her brother viewed her as an elder sister, showing utmost respect and care, even going as far as preparing and serving food during his visits. The close-knit bond among the siblings was evident Anyango revealed.
"We were 9 children, and death has robbed us of Ogolla," she said noting the close-knit bond they had.
Anyango revealed that their recent conversation was on Wednesday night, at the time, they discussed plans for a thanksgiving and birthday celebration dedicated to the church he built in Masumbi village and their father's 100th birthday.
“On Wednesday night, we had a lengthy conversation with him over thanksgiving cum birthday celebration that was dedicated to the church he had built at Masumbi village and his father who had turned 100 years,” Anyango said.
Tragically, fate intervened when news arrived that Ogolla had perished in a plane crash en route to Baringo.
Anyango recalled the shock of receiving this devastating news, as she had just completed her task of inviting a gospel artist to the celebration.
“I completed my tasks and was waiting for him to send fare that would transport the artist only to get sad news that he has crushed in the plane headed to Baringo,” she added.
Ogolla saved all
Anyango highlighted Ogolla's significant impact on supporting orphans and students in Masumbi. She feared that without his guiding hand, many would be left vulnerable, including those whose education he had sponsored.
“My brother was an umbrella and many depended on him for survival majority of orphans from Masumbi and students were in school courtesy of Ogolla and I for those who dropped out if nobody held their hands. Some successful persons whom he supported their Education would at times visit him and thank him including the grandaunts who passed through his hands,” she narrated.
Anyango narrated how Ogolla had made his wishes clear regarding his burial, stressing the importance of a swift and straightforward process.
"He should be buried within 48-72 hours, and I must show the family his resting place," she reiterated.
The loss reverberated beyond Ogolla's family, deeply affecting his church community.
Alice Adhiambo, a churchmate, expressed shock and sorrow, emphasizing Ogolla's role in the construction of the Masumbi ACK church.
"Our hero and sponsor of the construction of Masumbi ACK is no more," Adhiambo lamented, highlighting how the joyous celebrations had been overshadowed by grief, now reduced to mourning his passing.
