The conspicuous absence of former President Uhuru Kenyatta at the burial ceremony of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla in Siaya County on April 21, 2024, has raised eyebrows and stirred speculation among observers.
Despite Ogolla’s significant roles within the military hierarchy during Uhuru’s presidency, including serving as Deputy Commander and Vice Chief of Defence Forces, his absence from both the burial ceremony and the preceding memorial service held at Ulinzi Sports Complex, Lang’ata, has drawn attention.
Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, shedding light on Uhuru’s absence, clarified that the former president was out of the country and unable to attend due to prior engagements abroad.
Oburu also conveyed Uhuru Kenyatta’s sympathies and those of his family to the grieving Ogolla family.
Raila Odinga, leader of the Azimio alliance, similarly missed the burial ceremony due to health reasons, although he had been present at the memorial service, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
However, despite his absence, Uhuru Kenyatta had previously paid tribute to Ogolla on April 18, 2024, praising him as a distinguished military leader and patriot who had served Kenya with dedication and distinction.
The tragic demise of Ogolla, resulting from a helicopter crash in West Pokot, claimed the lives of nine other top military officers, marking a somber moment for the nation and the military fraternity.
In the wake of the tragedy, Joel Rabuku, Ogolla’s son, urged the public to refrain from speculating on the circumstances surrounding his father’s death.
Dismissing any notions of foul play, despite calls from the Azimio coalition for a thorough investigation into the crash, Rabuku emphasized the need for respect and dignity in honoring his father’s memory.
As the nation mourns the loss of a revered military figure, the absence of key political figures at Ogolla’s burial ceremony has sparked curiosity and raised questions about the dynamics of power and influence within Kenya’s political landscape.
