Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla is set to be buried on April 21 at his family home in Alego Usonga, Siaya County, his family confirms.

62-year-old General Ogolla perished in the Elgeyo Marakwet chopper crash on Thursday, April 18.

Kenya Defence Forces officials revealed the burial comes early following a will where the CDF stated he would like to be buried within 72 hours after his demise.

Burial arrangements will be handled by the State as the military chief passed away while still in office.

A memorial service will follow on Friday, April 26 at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata, the family added.

His body was flown to Nairobi on Thursday evening, alongside nine bodies of other officers aboard the chopper.

President William Ruto declared three days of mourning in honour of the late Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla who perished in a chopper crash on April 18, 2024.

Speaking during a media briefing at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto noted that it was a tragic moment for the country to lose gallant service men and women.

“In honour of the life and the distinguished military career of the fallen general, who lost his life not just while in office, but in active military duty, the nation will observe a period of 3 days of mourning commencing tomorrow 19th April 2024.

“During this time of national mourning, the Kenyan flag, the Kenya Defence Forces Flag, and the Eastern Africa community flag shall fly at half-mast in the Republic of Kenya and Kenya missions abroad,” said President Ruto. 

He added that the kenya Air Force has send a team of specialists to investigate the cause of the plane crash.

Other military personnel who perished in the chopper crash are:

1. Brigadier Swale Saidi

2. Colonel Duncan Keittany

3. Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe

4. Major George Benson Magondu

5. Captain Sora Mohamed

6. Captain Hillary Litali

7. Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi

8. Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi

9. Sergeant Rose Nyawira