Hezekiah Rabala Ochuka was born on July 23, 1953, in Nyakach, Kisumu District, Kenya, and belonged to the Luo ethnic group. Raised by a single mother alongside three older brothers, his upbringing was marked by economic hardship and a deep influence from male role models, which shaped his intense and disciplined personality. His early education was completed at Naki Kabete Primary School and later at Mirogi Secondary School.

On September 14, 1976, Ochuka joined the Kenya Air Force in Mombasa, beginning a military career that would later set the stage for one of Kenya’s most infamous attempted coups. He underwent basic military training at Lanet Army Barracks in Nakuru, after which he was posted to Eastleigh Air Base. Specializing in electrical systems and aircraft maintenance, Ochuka demonstrated technical competence but remained low in military rank.

Between 1978 and 1980, he received training abroad at RAF Cosford in the United Kingdom. Upon his return, he continued serving as a Senior Private Grade-I, one of the lowest ranks in the Kenyan military hierarchy. Despite his junior status, he became increasingly politically aware and discontented with President Daniel arap Moi’s government, which he viewed as corrupt and authoritarian.

In the early hours of August 1, 1982, Hezekiah Ochuka led a coup d'état attempt that briefly seized control of Kenya for approximately six hours. As the self-declared "Chairman" of the People's Redemption Council, Ochuka and a group of low-ranking Air Force personnel stormed the Voice of Kenya (VOK) broadcasting station and declared that President Daniel arap Moi’s government had been overthrown.

The coup shocked the nation. Gunfire rang out across Nairobi as citizens awoke to chaos and uncertainty. Under Ochuka’s direction, rebel soldiers took over key installations and coerced Air Force pilots at gunpoint to bomb State House, the official residence of the President. However, the pilots sabotaged the mission by dropping bombs over Mount Kenya instead.

The rebellion was swiftly crushed by loyalist forces led by Chief of General Staff Mahamoud Mohamed. Government-aligned military units, including the elite General Service Unit and regular police, reclaimed control by the afternoon. In the aftermath, 19 civilians were reported killed, more than 50 civilians were treated for gunshot wounds, and hundreds of air force personnel were arrested.

Ochuka managed to flee to Uganda and then to Tanzania, where President Julius Nyerere initially offered him protection. However, after diplomatic negotiations, he was extradited back to Kenya along with other senior coup plotters. One of his close accomplices, Ogidi, was also arrested in a military sting operation after being lured into a trap.

Hezekiah Rabala Ochuka was tried by court-martial and found guilty of treason in 1987. He was sentenced to death by hanging. On July 9, 1987, he was executed alongside fellow conspirator Pancras Oteyo Okumu at the Kamiti Maximum Security Prison.