General Ogolla's Son Joel Rabuku Dispels Rumors of Ruto-Ogolla Fall Out

The late Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla's son, Joel Rabuku Ogolla, has defended his father's friendship with President William Ruto.

Speaking at the late CDF's burial ceremony in Ng'iya, Siaya County on Sunday, Rabuku revealed that the two leaders had a cordial and genuine working relationship, despite social media claims that they were feuding.


He cited instances in which President William Ruto hosted the CDF at State House and the subsequent teamwork. 

"Today, I want to talk about the son of Alego. Your Excellency, until yesterday, people were speculating (on why the President appointed him). I want to clear the air with the conversations I had with my father about his time with the President," Rabuku stated.

"He did not really diverge any national security issues. The President did not have to appoint him and initially, he saw his competencies and decided this is the man for the job. Quickly, they became friends and formed a serious chemistry which he would tell me about. It is not the President alone but the deputy president as well."

"I want to clear the air about my father's time with the President. I know the President Ruto's tears yesterday were genuine," he added.

"People should stop rumours. These guys were friends at State House. My father told me he loved the President and they were good friends."

He also called out publications he classified as bloggers, accusing them of mishandling the news about the chopper crash, which claimed ten lives.

Without naming the perpetrators, he claimed that the way the images of the chopper were circulated was insensitive.

"When my mother called and told me that your father had gone down in a helicopter crash, there are so useless bloggers so quick to post pictures. I have been told that my father has gone down and 10 minutes later, I am seeing a helicopter burning. What does that mean, of course, he is dead," he wondered.

"People are so insensitive. So you broke the News, have you received an honour for breaking the News that the general is dead? Let us be sensitive."

Earlier, President William Ruto clarified that he met with Ogolla to discuss the conduct of the General Election prior to his subsequent appointment as CDF.

According to Ruto, the late General presented him with three options, including a request for forgiveness.

“General Ogolla told me the following, Mr President, I have no defence, I will not try to defend myself, what happened was wrong,” the Head of State revealed.

“You can either send me to court-martial, have me retire, or forgive me."