In a quietly filed document that’s now capturing national
attention, the late Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla, laid bare
how he wished his legacy to live on—not through battles won, but through wealth
passed on.
The will's revelation comes at a time when the nation marked
the 1st anniversary of the fallen military chief.
The will was filed on June 3, 2024, by Miller & Company
Advocates at the High Court Family Division in Nairobi.
It details how General Ogolla intended to distribute his
estate— an impressive portfolio that includes land parcels, vehicles, bank
accounts, and investments—among his wife and children.
It offers not just a glimpse into the General’s wealth, but unpacks the values he held dear: family and order.
THE WILL
General Ogolla appointed his daughter, Lorna Achieng
Omondi, and son Joel Rabuku Omondi, as the
joint and several executors and trustees of the will.
He directed that they shall both execute the duties for free without charge and without expectation of remuneration or advantage.
“In the event of any one of the foregoing Executors and
Trustees predeceasing me or in the event of any one of them being unable to
execute and discharge the duties of Executors and Trustees of this my will
(whether such disability arises from infirmity mental or physical), the
remaining one shall assume the obligations and duties as is hereby bestowed
upon them,” the Will read.
Both Achieng and Joel were given equal powers, duties and
liabilities as conferred on executors and administrators of the deceased
persons' estates by Sections 79 to 95 of the Law of Succession Act.
The first mandate of the executors of the will was to pay all
his just debts as well as funeral and testamentary expenses, if any, before
distributing his wealth.
He directed that his funeral be held as a private ceremony
within 72 hours and not any later.
“It shall be attended by pallbearers and close family
members. A memorial service may be held after the burial,” the Will said.
“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.”
WEALTH BREAKDWON
General Ogolla bequeathed to his wife, Aileen Ogolla, 50 per cent
of his Service benefits and all other emoluments, pensions, gratuities, and
compensations accruing to him by virtue of his service in the Armed Forces.
His son Joel and daughter Achieng were
allocated 25 per cent each of the benefits.
He also bequeathed his wife a property on Hatheru Road and
directed that in the event the wife is not there for whatever reason, the
apartment shall be jointly owned by Achieng and Joel.
General Ogolla handed
his daughter a flat, all his shares in NIC securities and a Luo Bible his mother
left him.
Joel, on the other hand, was allocated a flat, all his parcel
of land situated at or near the Siaya Airstrip, together with all developments
that were in it.
He also bequeathed Joel all his personal belongings and
artefacts and ordered that personal clothing be disposed of by burning.
“Any property not included in this will is to be jointly
owned by Joel Rabuku Omondi and Lorna Achieng Omondi. Alternatively, the two
may mutually agree on how to share it. Thereafter, the executors' duties herein
shall terminate,” Ogolla’s will read
“To all my relatives - good luck.”
