Heartwarming photos of General Francis Ogolla's cherished moments with family

The late Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Omondi Ogolla paid special attention to people he loved and created cherished memories with his family.

The gallant general took time off his busy schedule for key family events and created a strong bond with his family.

His family photo directory leaves no doubt that the fallen general relished moments with his family and valued quality time spent with loved ones.

Young General Francis Ogolla, his wife Aileen Kathambi Ogolla and two children; Lorna Achieng’ Omondi and Joel Rabuku Omondi Ogolla Pulse Live Kenya

His close-knit family feature in most of the photos taken at family gatherings and special events attended by other kin as well.

Joining military

Born in 1962, Ogolla joined the military at the age of 22 on April 24 1984 as an officer cadet.

The late Ogolla with his widow Aileen Kathambi at a past function Pulse Live Kenya

He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on May 6, 1985 and was posted to the Kenya Air Force as a fighter pilot.

General Ogolla who died in a chopper crash in West Pokot on Thursday, April 18 left behind a widow, Aileen Kathambi Ogolla a son named and two children; Joel Rabuku Omondi Ogolla and a daughter, Lorna Achieng’ Omondi.

The late General Francis Ogolla at his son's wedding Pulse Live Kenya

He also leaves behind a daughter-in-law; Muthoni Njenga Mwaura and a grandson by the name Taji Mbarara.

READ: Eyewitness recounts how the KDF chopper crashed before his eyes

General Francis Ogolla with his grandson Taji Mbarara. Pulse Live Kenya

The moving tributes shared by his family gave the public a glimpse into the general’s close bong with family, forged through years of facing challenges in life and celebrating successes together.

““My father, the pursuer of excellence and the most empathetic and effective leader and statesman, just went down in a chopper crash in West Pokot. He was doing what he did best, trying to keep Kenya safe for the better part of the last 40 years.

"One day I shall tell beautiful stories of how he taught with his actions and not with his words. But today, I rush home to send him off to the great beyond." Lorna shared in memory of her father.

Heartwarming photos of General Francis Ogolla's cherished moments with family Pulse Live Kenya

He also maintained a close bond with his siblings who he held hearty conversations with, including details of how he wanted his funeral to be conducted as was revealed upon his demise.