Ruto Cautions Francis Ogolla, Reveals Why He Appointed Him as Chief of Defence Forces

General Francis Ogolla
President William Ruto (Left) assisting outgoing CDF Robert Kibochi (Right) to don incoming Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla (Centre) after swearing-in at State House on Saturday, April 29, 2023.
Photo
KDF Kenya

President Wiliam Ruto, on Saturday, April 29, advised the newly appointed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla to ensure national stability through diligence, neutrality and strict adherence to the rule of Law.

While presiding over the swearing-in of top military officials appointed to new roles on Friday, April 28, Ruto stated that Ogolla must take up his responsibilities with honour that will bring the country together and help solve national challenges.

"It is my expectation that the professional standards of the Kenya Defence Forces will be observed and under your leadership," President Ruto demanded. 

The Commander-in-Chief also directed Ogolla to maintain KDF's image, which they had over the years built through ethical conduct and decision-making.

General Francis Omondi Ogolla and the Chief of the Defence Forces
General Francis Omondi Ogolla and the Chief of the Defence Forces
Photo
KDF

"Kenya has a tradition of a military that is professional, that is outstanding, that has integrity and that serves not just the people of Kenya, but our region and the globe," Ruto cautioned. 

Further, he warned the military against taking part in toxic ethnicity since such actions would only lead to anarchy and division in the country.

"It is my expectation and that of the government of Kenya that we shall continue to see a military that serves the people of Kenya, and we do not expect to see ethnicity, bias or any other consideration apart from professionalism," Ruto warned.

The head of state, nonetheless, expressed his confidence in the leadership of Ogolla's understanding of issues, particularly, the role of the military in nation-building.

He promised to give the new Chief of Defence Forces maximum corporation and support for him to lead Kenyan soldiers in protecting the integrity of the borders.

Why He Appointed Ogolla

"In considering your appointment - I reviewed your background, journey in the military and where you have come from, and I am satisfied that you merit the office. 

"You have my confidence that of the Republic of Kenya to discharge your mandate as the Chief of Defence Forces," Ruto assured General Ogolla.

Ogolla replaced his boss and former Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Robert Kibochi, who retired after serving the country for over 44 years in various ranks and files.

Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in a peacekeeping mission in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Wednesday November 16, 2022
Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in a peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Wednesday, November 16, 2022.
Photo
KDF Kenya

Prior to his promotion and appointment on Friday, April 28, Ogolla was the Vice CDF, a position he held for more than four years.

After the August 2022 General Election, he had a run-in with the Kenya Kwanza administration, who accused him of being part of power brokers who wanted to overturn the people's will and bar President William Ruto from assuming power. 

The former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati and the ex-commissioners Prof. Abdi Guliye and Moya Bolu faulted Ogolla and other members of the National Security Council (NSC) for reportedly interfering with the election.

However, Ogolla, through his lawyers, refuted the claims, noting that NSC members visited the Bomas of Kenya on the eve of the election as part of their security obligation.