General Francis Ogolla will be laid to rest on Sunday without a coffin, as per his explicit wish, the family announced on Friday.
The decision on the burial date was reached in agreement with military leaders and the state, honoring General Ogolla's request for a burial within 72 hours of his passing.
His elder brother Canon Hezekiah Oduor explained that the burial will be a simple affair, in line with Ogolla's desire for a swift interment.
"General Ogolla envisioned a simple burial similar to Muslim practices, where he would be wrapped in sheets, a decision made to ease what he perceived as undue pressure on the family," Oduor stated.
Despite the simplicity of the burial, traditional Luo rituals will still be observed.
Oduor extended an invitation to those who wish to mourn with them, either in spirit or in person, ensuring that there will be enough food for all visitors.
Ogolla, 62, tragically passed away alongside nine other military officers in a helicopter crash in Elgeyo Marakwet county on Thursday.
"In keeping with his humble nature, General Ogolla specified that his burial occur within 72 hours of his passing, echoing the profound truth that from dust we came and to dust we shall return," the family coordinator, Joel Ogolla, conveyed.
In a statement released on Friday, he announced that Sunday has been chosen for General Ogolla's final farewell.
"This will be preceded by a heartfelt service at his local church in Nduru," Joel added.
The state has taken charge of the burial arrangements in collaboration with the family, as Ogolla passed away while still in office.
A team of military officers was dispatched to Alego on Friday to prepare for the burial of their Chief of Defence Forces.
As a General and with his passing occurring while still in office, Ogolla will be honored with a 19-gun salute by the officers he led for close to one year.
President William Ruto, in his capacity as the Commander-In-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, will lead the nation, the government, and the military in bidding farewell to General Ogolla.
Others who perished alongside General Ogolla included Brigadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keitany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu, and Captain Sora Mohamed, among others.
Their bodies were airlifted to Nairobi on Thursday night and received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport’s Embakasi military hangar, where a prayer service was held.
They were then taken to Forces Memorial Hospital for preservation.
General Ogolla's sister, Peris Onyango, described her brother as "very prepared for death," recounting how he often discussed his burial plans despite her attempts to dissuade him.
Onyango praised her brother's generosity and community involvement, highlighting his philanthropic deeds and commitment to addressing the concerns of villagers.
The family affirmed that despite General Ogolla's passing, the 100th birthday celebrations of Mzee Joel Oyeyo, Ogolla's father, will proceed as planned on Saturday.
The family had scheduled the celebration of his birthday and the consecration of St. Thomas Nduru Anglican Church on Sunday.
General Ogolla was expected to travel to the village to assist with preparations for both events, according to family members.
The family also announced that General Ogolla's memorial service will be held next week on Friday, five days after his burial.
"A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 26, at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang'ata, where he found solace in his biweekly runs," Joel stated.
"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."
On Friday, various leaders visited Ogolla's Nairobi home to offer their condolences to his family.
Opposition chief Raila Odinga led the Azimio brigade to Ogolla’s home, accompanied by other political leaders.
President Ruto mourned General Ogolla on Thursday, expressing his sadness at the General's sudden demise.
“In honour of the life and 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 three days of mourning commencing tomorrow, April 19,” the President said.
President Ruto to address the nation on today, FridayPresident Ruto to address the nation on today, Friday