Hello and welcome to the Friday edition of the Evening Brief Newsletter where the General takes his final bow.
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A Father’s Party That Never Was
Details have emerged on events General Francis Ogolla had planned to attend in Siaya County over the weekend.
According to the General's family, Ogola was expected to attend his father’s birthday on Saturday, April 20.
The event was expected to be a milestone event as they planned to celebrate his father, Joel Oketch, who is turning 100 years old.
Ogolla was to be joined by his sister for the Saturday event alongside other family members.
Notably, on Sunday, April 21, Ogolla was also expected to participate in a community event at his village in Siaya County.
The Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit revealed that the Sunday event was set for the dedication of a church he had helped build.
"We pray that his gift will be multiplied not just in the building but also in the many who will turn to you.
“May his legacy as an evangelist, even in the military live on," Sapit stated during a memorial service at Ogolla's home in Nairobi.
The General died in a tragic accident along the West Pokot-Elgeyo Marakwet border alongside nine officials of KDF.
Ogolla was in West Pokot to oversee peacekeeping activities following President William Ruto's orders on the deployment of the military to the bandit-prone area.
The cause of the accident is yet to be known. However, a team from the Kenya Airforce deployed to investigate the matter.
Guess Who?
Can you guess who said these words?
"We are a poor country and we cannot have interns earning Ksh200,000. We don't have the money."
To find the correct answer, simply scroll down as you read this newsletter.
The 72-Hr Wish
According to Ogolla's sister Peris Oketch, the KDF boss had at one time talked to his family about his burial wishes.
Oketch noted that the brother had asked his family to bury him within 72 hours after his death.
Owing to the General's wishes, the family revealed that Ogolla will be buried on Sunday, April 21.
"It is with profound sorrow and acceptance of God’s will that we announce the funeral arrangements of CDF General Francis Omondi Ogolla, a gallant Military professional and a distinguished member of our community.
"In honour of his humble nature, General Ogolla specified that his burial occurs within 72 hours of his passing, echoing the profound truth that from dust we came and to dust we shall return," read the family statement in part.
Ogolla will be buried at his home in Mor, Alego, Siaya County.
A memorial service is also scheduled to be held on Friday, April 26th, 2024, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Langata.
"Let us gather, to celebrate the life of a General who dedicated his life to service, love, generosity and devotion that touched us all deeply," the family noted.
Weekly Kenyans.co.ke Quiz
Do you think you are a news guru? Every week, the newsletter team brings you a 10-question quiz testing your knowledge of the top news topics for the week.
Take our quiz and test how well you understood the week's most important stories.
Here are the top five stories of the day;
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja issued with a 48-hour ultimatum over plans to construct a nightclub at the renovated Uhuru Park.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi issues timelines for Jowie's appeal on his death penalty.
The first responder to the KDF chopper crash reveals details on rescue efforts after the accident.
Kindiki issues new timelines for the issuance of passports.
Here are the details of the Bell Huey II, the KDF's chopper that ferried General Francis Ogolla.
Guess Who Answer
The answer is Aaron Cheruiyot. The Senate Majority Leader made the remarks on Sunday in support of President William Ruto's offer to pay medical interns a stipend of Ksh70,000 per month.
This newsletter was written by Washington Mito and edited by Brian Muuo.
Derrick Kubasu contributed to the content.
Graphics prepared by Adongo Kyalo and Ronnie Mbugua.
