Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Sunday revealed that Gen Francis Ogolla's visit to Bomas as the 2022 Presidential election results were being tallied was not out of his own volition but was rather coerced by his seniors.
Speaking during General Ogolla's burial service in Siaya County, Duale argued that General Ogolla who at the time who was the Vice Chair of Defence Forces did not have the clearance to proceed to Bomas since he was not a member of the National Security Council (NSC) and was acting on orders of persons who sat in the powerful body at the time.
Duale claimed that Ogolla, then questioned the decision to have him there but was allegedly informed that the decision from the country's leadership at the time was final.
The CS went to the extent of claiming that he was shown texts of the alleged orders.
To remedy this, Duale confirmed that President Ruto had issued a directive to ensure that such a situation is not replicated in future.
“Today I want to confirm the President has directed that members of the National Security Committee, can never again delegate the attendance of their membership to their juniors,” stated Duale.
According to Duale, Gen Ogolla later responded to his superiors questioning his presence at the event considering he had received intelligence that the results would be announced at 3PM.
However, he received correspondence that he was expected to remain at Bomas and keep his colleagues company.
“Gen Ogolla sent a text message saying the results would be announced at 3 PM, as a general, as a soldier what am I doing here? He was told stay with your colleagues,” explained Duale.
Further, Duale reiterated that the late CDF was a man of honour and was not politically affiliated hence dismissing claims of his involvement in the alleged attempt to usurp the results of the 2022 presidential election, which saw Ruto declared winner.
He also urged Kenyans to avoid enforcing a false narrative of the late General that paints a negative picture.
Additionally, Duale revealed that he grilled the General himself to certify his intentions before his nomination was forwarded to the President.
The CS’s comments came against the backdrop of those of Gen Ogolla’s son, Joel Rabuku, who insisted that his father and the President were good friends.
