President William Ruto, his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi have eulogised General Francis Ogolla as an epitome of humility.
The leaders, members of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and dignitaries converged at the Ulinzi Sports Complex for General Ogolla's memorial service.
While leading the nation, Ruto paid tribute to the fallen, experienced soldier, whom he said was a very humble man.
"The truth came to my mind to speak the truth about the man that lies in the casket in front of us. Because General Ogolla represents the best of what Kenya has to offer.
"We are meeting here for this farewell service for the first time in the history of Kenya of a serving Chief of Defense Forces in office who has passed on.
"We are here to say bye-bye to a consummate military officer, a passionate, accomplished military commander, and a patriotic citizen of Kenya with great humility. Lessons of humility characterised the life of General Ogolla.
"Even in his death, he is giving us lessons and lectures on humility. This very function is the epitome of humility," Ruto said.
On his part, Gachagua described General Ogolla in glowing terms.
"His sudden demise has robbed our nation of a patriot, a general, a decorated and celebrated soldier, a great military man, and above all, an amiable, humble gentleman," the DP said on X.
Mudavadi's take
Mudavadi said there is no question as to how humble Ogolla was, despite the fact that he was serving in the military.
"It has been said several times, but it does not pain to repeat this. If there were a description of humility and an epitome of humility, then the general who has fallen is indeed a symbol of humility.
"But what is more interesting is that humility is found in the military. Humility is a very rare visitor in military circles, let alone being a resident of the military itself.
"So we have lost somebody who has now shed some light as to what can really be done to epitomize humility," the former Member of Parliament said.
Mudavadi added that General Ogolla was a deserving Chief of Defence Forces.
"General Ogolla was a deep and brilliant thinker, not an emotional one. He was not impulsive; he gave very good thought to what he would say and what he intended to do.
"He was truly a deserving and befitting leader of the military," he concluded.
Ruto, Gachagua, and other top leaders in the country are expected to converge in Ng'iya, Siaya County, for General Ogolla's burial ceremony on Sunday, April 21.
