President William Ruto has addressed claims linking the appointment of the late General Francis Ogolla as Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) to alleged fears of an attempted coup.
Speaking during a media roundtable at the Wajir State Lodge on June 1, Ruto said the decision to appoint Ogolla was made deliberately as part of efforts to promote inclusion in national leadership.
Ruto explained that the formation of a broad-based government faced opposition from some quarters, with critics arguing that individuals who did not support the ruling side or those considered “undeserving” were being included in government positions. He said such views reflect a mindset based on exclusion and regional or ethnic bias.
“Some people are very unhappy that those who did not vote for us, or people who are undeserving, are now part of government. Some were complaining about appointments across regions. It is that kind of mentality that we must dismantle,” Ruto said.
Ruto Explains Ogolla Appointment Amid Coup Rumours
President Ruto stated that his approach to appointments was intended to demonstrate that any Kenyan, regardless of background or region, can serve in any capacity within government or state institutions.
He cited the appointment of the late General Ogolla as an example, noting that concerns were raised at the time but were unfounded.
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“I remember when I appointed the late General Ogola as the CDF. Many people told me there would be consequences, but those claims had no basis. It is built on suspicion and prejudice against other people,” Ruto said.
The President also referenced past military leadership appointments, including historical cases where similar objections were raised based on ethnic considerations, arguing that such patterns reflect long-standing prejudices that need to be addressed.
“I also recall when President Moi appointed General Mohammed as CDF for the first time, and people raised similar objections based on ethnicity. These are prejudices we must dismantle in Kenya.”
Ruto: Ogolla Tried to Overturn My Victory but I Still Gave Him CDF job
Speaking during a media roundtable interview on Sunday night, May 14, 2023, Ruto said he confronted Ogolla about trying to overturn his election victory before picking him as the new CDF.
Also Read: Where Are They Now- Two Soldiers Who Survived the Crash That Killed General Ogolla
Ruto has in the past addressed claims linking the appointment of the late CDF to alleged fears of an attempted overthrow, stating that the decision was based on merit and inclusion.
In his past interviews, Ruto said he held a detailed conversation with the incoming Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) leadership and maintained that Ogolla was the most qualified candidate to succeed retired CDF General Robert Kibochi.
The President noted that there were concerns raised regarding Ogolla’s role during the transition period after the 2022 General Election, with suggestions that he could have been acting under orders related to the election outcome.
He further stated that he confronted Ogolla over the concerns, and the former military officer reportedly told him to take any action he deemed appropriate.
The decision to appoint Ogolla as CDF, he said, demonstrated a commitment to merit-based leadership and rejecting nepotism in public appointments.
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