Photos of Francis Ogolla’s heartbroken wife being comforted by their daughter, Lorna Omondi, during his memorial service have moved Kenyans to tears. Ogolla will be laid to rest tomorrow. Francis Ogolla’s wife (in black) is being consoled by their daughter Lorna Omondi (in white dress). Francis Ogolla’s son’s tribute moves Kenyans Joel Rabuku Omondi revealed his father’s casket cost the family KSh 6,800. According to Joel, the goner’s son, his casket, draped in the national flag and on which lay the fallen general’s boots, was for temporary use as it would be disposed of and the body interred while wrapped in sheets. He stated that his father abhorred unnecessary complexities in his send-off, going for the modest of ways of interment. “Your Excellency (President William Ruto), yesterday I gave you a slight brief on what Mzee would have wanted. Mzee is lying over here; the casket is very simple, rough wood. I’m told it cost only KSh 6,800. He didn’t want complexities that would include an expensive coffin. His essence and spirit are no longer with us; it is now finished,” he said. Joel said Ogolla was dressed in his ceremonial uniform, which would also be removed before the burial. Francis Ogolla’s widow heartbroken Ogolla’s widow, who was dressed in a pitch-black dress and a huge hat, looked heartbroken during the service and, at some point, was seen being comforted by Lorna. Here are the photos: Kenyans were touched by the photo and reactions include: Samwel Wekesa said: “I wish his family strength and resilience as they mourned his passing. May the fond memories they shared bring them peace and comfort, and strength.” Mwezezo said: “Very heartbreaking, may their souls rest peacefully!” Hil Larie said: “This gal is strong.” Zeddy Jepkosgei said: “So sad . Pole.” Evans Okemwa said: “Take heart, it’s indeed painful.” Bre Mamasgal said: “The pain. We can’t even fathom it hits so deep. Mama, we cannot even cover that space that has been left. God will do it.” Phoebe Achieng said: “May God give you peace, mama.” Christer Christer said: “Take heart mum and your children, it’s extremely painful.” Anne Nangila said: “Take heart, mama. Let sir God be with you all the time. It’s very painful indeed.” Joyce Arsenal said: “May God give you peace mama.”
by Caren Nyota