A brief textual content message despatched by the late Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla, then Vice Chief of Defence Forces, to his boss Gen Robert Kibochi saved his career amidst high-stakes politics throughout the tallying of the 2022 presidential election outcomes.
The SMS, despatched throughout a interval of escalating tensions at the Bomas of Kenya National Tallying Centre, confirmed Ogolla’s unwavering dedication to the non-partisan position of the army. The textual content learn: “Sir, this is not about security but about politics.”
In May final 12 months, in dwell media interview, Ruto stated that he referred to as Ogolla and sat him down.
“I told him, my friend, you went to Bomas to try and overturn my victory, but because you are the best person to be general, I am going to give you the job. That is how it works with me,” he identified.
“He told me, ‘I have no defence; you do with me whatever you want. What I did was wrong’. What exercised my mind is that yes, this gentleman might have made a mistake, maybe because the commander in chief at the time told him what to do.”
Details rising present that Ogolla shared the message when he met Ruto after he was sworn in, when these in Kenya Kwanza had been baying for the blood of these believed to be former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s allies.
Ogolla instructed the president, “On going to Bomas, I am guilty as charged. If there was a court martial, I would not escape it. I went there with PAS Kennedy Kihara on advice from the NSAC. The whole reasoning was that there was tension in the country, and, therefore, we needed to have IEBC declare results. On arrival, we met Chebukati, but Kihara delved into politics and started saying that IEBC needed to kneel to the results. I immediately sent a text to Gen Kibochi saying, ‘Sir, this is not about security but about politics. That text I have, and it’s here.”
At that second, Ogolla confirmed President Ruto the textual content, and inside weeks, he was appointed CDF.
Gen Ogolla was amongst the members of the National Security Advisory Committee (NSAC) that arrived at the tallying centre to fulfill IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati on the day he was to announce the presidential election winner.
This NSAC contingent was led by Kennedy Kihara, the Principal Administrative Secretary within the Office of the President, together with different key figures. Chebukati later discovered of their arrival by Deputy Inspector of Police Noor Gabow, who relayed the message from the top of the general public service.
“The arrival of the NSAC delegation was preceded by a call from the head of public service informing me that he had sent a team that would like to discuss the assumption of office,” Chebukati famous in his affidavit throughout the Supreme Court listening to of the presidential petition by Azimio’s Raila Odinga.
Chebukati scheduled a gathering with NSAC at 2pm. “Since NSAC was already ushered in, we proceeded to listen to their message,” Chebukati stated.
Kihara, representing NSAC, emphasised the gravity of their go to and the significance of the message they needed to convey.
“Kihara told Chebukati that if he declared Ruto the President-elect, the country was going to burn,” as skirmishes had reportedly began primarily based on alleged betrayal.
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Kihara warned of potential bloodshed and urged consideration of another path, together with a runoff. The NSAC left round 3 PM, and CEO Marjan Hussein entered the boardroom with the ultimate outcomes shortly after.
Four commissioners contested the outcomes, calling for changes primarily based on the NSAC’s calls for, with Cherera proposing particular modifications. However, Guliye and Mulo refused to conform, emphasising adherence to constitutional mandates.
“I maintained that I would not sit and discuss the subversion of the will of the people,” Chebukati emphasised. Despite protests, Chebukati proceeded with saying the ultimate outcomes as verified and tallied by the fee. Ruto garnered 7,176,141 (50.49 %) of the votes, narrowly beating his rival, Raila Odinga, who managed 6,942,930 votes (48.85 %).
After being sworn in, KDF appointments had been due, and weeks later, Ruto promoted Ogolla, then Lieutenant General, to the esteemed rank of General, appointing him as the brand new CDF, which marked a major milestone in Kenya’s army management.
Ruto clarified that he’s eager to make deliberate appointments, and his selections aren’t dictated by an particular person’s affiliation, supplied that they’ve a stellar monitor file. “I could have appointed anybody I had. I think I had 10 choices. People say that I appointed Ogolla because he was the deputy CDF, but that is not the case.”
President Ruto’s resolution to nominate Ogolla as CDF was not with out controversy, as critics raised considerations about his alleged involvement in electoral politics. However, he defended his selection, citing Ogolla’s {qualifications} and monitor file of service.
In reflecting on Ogolla’s legacy, President Ruto emphasised the significance of meritocracy in management appointments. “Many things that are part of my system outweighed what he had done,” Ruto acknowledged.
“This is a moment of great sadness for myself as the Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, the Kenya Defence Forces fraternity, and the nation at large,” Ruto stated on Thursday.
Ogolla’s appointment adopted the ‘Tonje Rules,’ a rotational mechanism that governs the number of the CDF. President Ruto was obligated to nominate Ogolla, who served because the Kenya Air Force Commander, as the subsequent CDF, persevering with a custom.
Born on February 12, 1962, in Siaya County, General Ogolla launched into his army journey by graduating from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) as a cadet on May 2, 1984. His speedy ascent by the ranks mirrored his distinctive management and dedication to responsibility.
Over the years, General Ogolla held pivotal roles inside the KDF, together with Commanding Officer of Laikipia Air Base Tactical Flight Wing (2007) and Base Commander of Laikipia Air Base (2008–2014). His promotions to Brigadier in 2012, Deputy Air Force Commander, and in the end Major General and Commander of the Kenya Air Force underscored his exemplary service and strategic imaginative and prescient.
In July 2021, General Ogolla’s excellent contributions had been additional recognised when he was promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed because the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces. This pivotal place ready him for the final word promotion to basic and his appointment as Chief of the Defence Forces on April 28, 2023.
General Ogolla’s instructional achievements paralleled his army success. He held a diploma in International Studies and Military Science from Egerton University, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Armed Conflict, and Peace Studies, and a Master of Arts in International Studies from the University of Nairobi. Additionally, he accomplished superior army coaching at the École Militaire de Paris and the National Defence College of Kenya.
Throughout his illustrious career, General Ogolla acquired quite a few accolades, together with the Moran of the Golden Heart (MGH), the Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS), and the Head of State Commendation. These honours mirrored his unwavering dedication to nationwide service and his profound influence on Kenya’s army panorama.
In saying his loss of life alongside 9 different senior officers, Ruto stated Gen Ogolla boarded the Kenya Air Force Huey helicopter and left Nairobi Thursday morning.
The president stated that the CDF was on a visit to go to troops deployed within the North Rift underneath Operation Maliza Uhalifu and to examine the continued college renovation works in 5 faculties, which included Chesitet Primary School, Cheptulel Boys High School, Chepoton Primary School, Ksaa Primary School, and Sablimoi Primary School, as a part of his working tour.
“The CDF had been briefed on the security situation by a multi-agency team stationed at Chesitetin Baringo County, after which he proceeded to the Kainuk Forward Operating Base in Turkana County, where he addressed troops, commending them for their resilience and operational successes,” Ruto stated.
The President stated Ogolla and his workforce proceeded from Kainuk to Chesegon in West Pokot County, the place he initiated the rehabilitation of Cheptulel Boys High School.
Afterwards, they departed Chesegon for the Recruits Training School in Uasin Gishu County, the place he was set to examine development initiatives at the establishment. Regrettably, the plane crashed shortly after take-off at 2:20 pm.
