The will of the late General Francis Ogolla has revealed how he planned to distribute his wealth before he died in a helicopter crash in April 2024. General Ogolla had written the will back in 2012.
It was officially witnessed by two military officers Lieutenant Colonel John Njenga and Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Sane. This shows that he had carefully thought about his family’s future long before his unexpected death.
As tabled by the Standard, in the will, General Ogolla clearly stated that the people who would manage his estate were his two children, Lorna Achieng and Joel Rabuku. He trusted them to oversee how everything would be handled after he was gone.
He did not leave any responsibilities to his extended family members. In fact, he even included a brief message saying, “To all my relatives good luck,” which made it clear that they were not part of his inheritance plan.
His wife, Aileen Ogolla, was the main beneficiary of his wealth. She was to receive 50% of the entire estate. The other half was to be shared equally between their two children.
This decision showed that General Ogolla wanted to make sure his immediate family was well taken care of. Aileen was also given full ownership of an apartment on Hatheru Road in Nairobi.
He added that if she was not available, the apartment would go directly to their children. Each of the children also received specific properties. Lorna was given a property near Pangani Shopping Centre, shares at NIC Securities, and even the family Bible.
Joel was given a property in Siaya County, another one also near Pangani, and all of his father’s personal belongings, including historical artefacts and other items that carried sentimental value.
General Ogolla also made some unusual requests in his will. He instructed that all his clothes be burned after his death. He also did not want to be buried in a coffin and requested that his burial take place within 72 hours.
These personal instructions suggest that he had deep beliefs or traditions that he wanted respected. By the time of his death, his estate was valued at about KSh 150 million. He owned six properties in different places, shares in investment firms and Saccos, three vehicles, nine bank accounts, and two houses.
Despite this large amount of wealth, his will remained focused only on his wife and two children. General Ogolla’s will showed that he was a man who planned ahead, believed in simplicity, and trusted his closest family members to carry on his legacy.
