Nairobi — Lorna Ogolla, the daughter of the late military chief General Francis Ogolla has implored Kenyans to embrace a pursuit of excellence despite adversities, echoing her father's legacy.
General Ogolla died on April 18, 2024 alongside 9 other officers when their helicopter went down and burst into flames in Elgeyo Marakwet.
Addressing mourners at her father's funeral in Ng'iya, Siaya on Sunday, Lorna fondly remembered him as a soldier who not only conquered challenges on the battlefield but also navigated social hurdles with resilience.
"Our children learn from our actions in this world. My father gave 110% to everything. He never needed to instruct me or Jowie to work hard; we witnessed his dedication," she emphasized during the General's burial in Siaya on Sunday.
She highlighted her father's ability to surpass expectations, even among younger peers, in every endeavor, despite work pressures and health setbacks.
Recalling his pursuit of further education at the University of Nairobi while balancing duties at the Laikipia airbase, she praised his exceptional commitment.
"He pursued a parallel program while based in Laikipia airbase, commuting to Nairobi for classes and exams. For those familiar with the University of Nairobi, it's no easy feat. Despite his numerous responsibilities, he excelled," she recounted.
Reflecting on his dedication to family amidst professional demands, Lorna urged parents to prioritize familial support, mirroring her father's unwavering devotion.
Describing him as a devout man, she highlighted his steadfast faith during both trials and triumphs.
"Even before I was born, my dad read the Bible cover to cover. During the challenging years of 2022 and 2023, he read it twice. He worked as if serving God, dedicating everything to Him," she affirmed.
President William Ruto has assured of comprehensive investigations into the chopper crash that killed the military chief and nine others.
"I know the KDF are as concerned as the family and every Kenyan just as I am and I want to assure Kenyans that they will ensure thorough investigations to establish what happened," he told mourners in Siaya on Sunday during the burial of General Ogolla who was buried 72 hours after the Thursday accident in accordance with his wish.
Leaders from Nyanza, led by Siaya Governor James Orengo and Senator Oburu Odinga have called for thorough investigations into the cause of the helicopter crash so as to end any speculations.
"As a community here (Luo Nyanza), we have suffered tragedies where some of our sons have been assassinated. We had the likes of Tom Mboya, Robert Ouko and others and that is why we are asking for thorough investigations," he said moments after General Ogolla's son Joel said the family was satisfied that it was an accident.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
"To Ogolla's son, please be patient, let us wait for investigations," Oburu said.
And when the president stood to speak, he acknowledged that the dark past of Kenya where several people and leaders have been killed through extrajudicial killings or executions, but vowed "that will never happen under my watch."
"I made a commitment because it is true we have lost many Kenyans to extrajudicial Killings and executions in the past," he said, "and without any fear of contradictions, I want to state here that there will never be extrajudicial killings or executions under my watch. We will never have bodies of people in River Yala."
He was referring to bodies of people recovered from River Yala in the previous regime, who were suspected to have been executed by police, as documented by the human rights organisations.
Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka urged the government to make public the outcome of investigations so as to put the matter to rest.
"Generals don't die. They fade away. But here we have a General who crashed in a helicopter. We urge the government to make public the report of the investigations," Kalonzo said.
Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua too said "it is important that the investigations are made public."
Siaya Governor James Orengo said the government must assure Kenyans that an open investigation will be conducted.
"I want to state without fear of contradiction that as the Luo nation we have mourned a lot of great heroes. There was Tom Mboya, Robert Ouko and others and today we are mourning General Ogolla," he said, "so all we are asking is the truth to come out."
