In life, he commanded respect from presidents and privates alike. In death, General Francis Ogolla—Kenya’s late Chief of Defence Forces—has left behind a legacy not of medals or military might, but of humility, family, and carefully planned order.
A year after the tragic helicopter crash that claimed his life, Ogolla’s will—quietly filed on June 3, 2024, by Miller & Company Advocates—has come to light, stirring national interest. Filed at the High Court Family Division in Nairobi, the document opens a window into the private world of one of Kenya’s most revered military figures.
And at the very end of it, a parting message as blunt and unforgettable as the man himself:
“To all my relatives – good luck.
A Final Act of Order
True to his disciplined nature, General Ogolla’s will reads like a well-drafted operations manual. He appointed his daughter, Lorna Achieng Omondi, and son, Joel Rabuku Omondi, as joint executors and trustees of his estate. They are to carry out their duties free of charge—no compensation, no perks.
Should one of them be unable to serve due to illness or death, the other would assume full responsibility. The instructions were precise, unambiguous, and deeply personal—qualities that defined Ogolla both in uniform and in family.
The Funeral March—In Silence
If there’s one thing Ogolla seemed to detest, even in death, it was unnecessary attention. He directed that his funeral be held within 72 hours, as a private ceremony attended only by pallbearers and close family members.
“No advertisement in the print, audio media, or any other form whatsoever is to be done. No other ceremony is to be done after the memorial service,” the will states.
A memorial service was permitted after burial, but that would be the only public acknowledgment.
For a man who had stood in full military regalia at state functions, this understated exit speaks volumes.
The Wealth Behind the Uniform
General Ogolla’s estate is as notable as his career—spanning land parcels, properties, vehicles, investments, and military benefits.
To his wife, Aileen Ogolla:
50% of his Armed Forces service benefits
All pensions, gratuities, and compensations
A property on Hatheru Road, to be passed on to the children if she’s not alive.
To his daughter, Lorna Achieng Omondi:
A flat
All his shares in NIC Securities
A cherished Luo Bible gifted to him by his mother—a token of heritage and faith
To his son, Joel Rabuku Omondi:
A flat
All land and developments near the Siaya Airstrip
All his personal belongings and artefacts
His clothing? Burn it. No sentiment, no souvenirs.
Any property not specifically mentioned was to be jointly owned by Lorna and Joel, or split mutually. After that, their duties as executors would be complete.
In the end, Ogolla’s will reads less like a list of assets and more like a final briefing: efficient, firm, and deeply personal.
He left nothing to chance—and perhaps even less to interpretation.
And then, one last line. One that has now captured national curiosity and raised eyebrows around family circles:
“To all my relatives – good luck.”
No explanations. No apologies. Just Ogolla, as always, choosing simplicity over spectacle, duty over drama.
