Why General Ogolla Will be Buried Without a Casket

The late General Francis Ogolla will be laid to rest on Sunday, April 21, in a burial ceremony that honours his wishes for simplicity.

Defying conventional practices, his body will not be placed in a casket but instead wrapped in sheets as per his desire to be interred within 72 hours of his passing. This decision, documented in his Will, reflects Ogolla's vision of a straightforward ritual burial akin to Muslim traditions easing any unnecessary burden on his family. The exact location for his grave has been chosen, nestled near his home in Mor village, Siaya County. While the burial ceremony itself will be devoid of extravagance, the family intends to observe other Luo rituals to embrace the cultural traditions that Ogolla held dear.

His brother, Canon Hezekiah Oduor, extends an open invitation to those who wish to mourn alongside the family, whether physically present or in spirit, assuring that ample provisions will be made to accommodate all visitors. Ogolla's sister, Peris Onyango, fondly recounts how her brother had long been prepared for his eventual demise often describing to her how he wished to be laid to rest, despite her efforts to dissuade him from such morbid thoughts. As a soldier who had faced the reality of death in the line of duty, Ogolla consistently emphasized its inevitability, a perspective that guided his pragmatic approach to his own burial arrangements.

Renowned for his philanthropy and commitment to the betterment of his community, Ogolla's passing has left an indelible mark on the lives of many. Onyango portrays him as a generous soul, attentive to the plights of villagers, and dedicated to supporting the church by completing projects, providing water boreholes, and rewarding the schools he attended. The outpouring of grief from those who recognized his boundless impact serves as a testament to the profound legacy he leaves behind.

Amidst the sombre occasion, the family remains resolute in their plans to celebrate a joyous milestone – the 100th birthday of their father Mzee Joel Oyeyo. The centenarian's birthday festivities are scheduled for Saturday, with the event taking place at St Thomas Nduru Anglican Church on Sunday. Opposition leader Raila Odinga has urgently called for a prompt and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. In a formal statement issued on Friday, Odinga expresses grave concerns regarding the condition of the helicopters and other equipment utilized by security personnel.

Odinga says that this harrowing incident should induce a thorough evaluation and modernization of security equipment, particularly aircraft, as this was a vision shared by the late General Ogolla himself. He highlights the government's responsibility to conduct a meticulous, professional, and transparent inquiry into these deaths, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of answers. Furthermore, Odinga articulates apprehensions about the potential lack of maintenance and upkeep of the equipment utilized by security forces, suggesting that such negligence could have contributed to the tragic outcome. He urges the authorities to expedite the investigation.