President William Ruto eulogized Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla as a man from whom he took many lessons.

Speaking at the military honours ceremony at Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi, President Ruto narrated how he settled on General as the CDF.

“I was told there are 4 sensitive positions, IG police, interior, NIS, and CDF. I was even told not to be shy about appointing members of your community, I would be safe. I chose merit, professionalism and ethics to come before ethnicity,” he added.

The Commander in Chief admitted that in the list of candidates who could fill the position, General Ogolla was amiss.

“It was not an easy decision to make Ogolla CDF. It’s always a decision that involves many balances. All the recommendations I got for the next CDF, did not include General Ogolla but he was a military officer with a distinguished career.

“There was only one problem, the events of August 15, 2022, at the Bomas of Kenya. I asked General Ogolla for a one-on-one, man-to-man, come-to-Jesus meeting with him.”

Apparently, General Ogolla acknowledged he was present in Bomas leading up to announcement of presidential poll results in August 2022.

“When we concluded the meeting, he told me he would not defend himself because it was wrong. He told me I had three choices: either send him to court-martial, retire, or forgive him.”

In April 2023, General Francis Ogolla was sworn in as Chief of Defence Forces at State House, Nairobi. President William Ruto graced the occasion.

President Ruto now says it was the best appointment he has made so far in his leadership. He praised the general for evident changes in the military in under one year.

He expressed grief over loss of such a selfless and focused leader, in charge of important missions including; banditry and Al Shabaab elimination.

“I am proud to bear witness that General Francis Ogolla stood head and shoulders among the finest of these exemplary public servants.

“It has been an extraordinary privilege to work closely with him, to benefit from his wisdom, experience and insights, and to witness him in action, serving his nation with admirable commitment and providing excellent command leadership of the Kenya Defence Forces.”