Ruto assures findings of crash that killed General Ogolla will be made public

President William Ruto on Sunday assured Kenyans that the results of the military probe into the helicopter crash that claimed the life of Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla will be made public to clear the lingering doubt that the family, military and Kenyans may have on the cause of his death.

The President spoke during the funeral service for the late general at his Ng'iya home in Siaya County amidst calls for a thorough probe into the Thursday afternoon crash that also claimed the lives of nine other soldiers leaving two others with injuries, the two are in fair condition.

"I have full confidence that General Omenda and the team he has appointed to lay bare the details of the accident that took away the life of General Ogolla. I know that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is as concerned as I am and indeed the family and every Kenyan on the life of General Ogolla and I want to assure the country that our Kenya Airforce has the requisite integrity and professionalism to make sure that there will be no shroud of doubt on what happened to him," President Ruto said.

He then dismissed claims that the incident may have been an act of an extrajudicial killing.

President William Ruto speaks at the funeral service of the Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla in Siaya County on April 21, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

"There shall never be another occasion where we have bodies of Kenyans in River Yala, it shall never happen again. Not under my watch," the president vowed adding that most of the claims flying around are from people who had no close interaction with the gallant general with whom he had established a close relationship in the months he got to serve as the Chief of Defence Forces.

"People may say many things because they don't understand what those of us who worked closely with General Ogolla understand about the potential that he would do for our country. I wish we could all spare him and give him a decent send-off because he deserves it."

At the same time both the military and government pledged support to the late general's family.

Members of the military during the funeral service of Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla in Siaya County on April 21, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

"Difficult period"

President Ruto's words were echoed by the late General's son Joel Ogolla who confessed that from his conversations with his father though the period after the general elections was hard for the family owing to the events of the time, he had learnt that his father had developed a good working relationship with the president.

Joel said his father and the President, the Deputy President and Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale would later forge a formidable chemistry that saw them work together closely.

"I saw people yesterday claim the President was shedding crocodile tears, but in my heart, I know it was genuine," said General Ogolla's son who also cautioned Kenyans against making false narratives about the cause of his father's death.

CS Duale said the executive later learnt the behind-the-scenes intricacies and the people who instructed the late General to proceed to Bomas and stay on during the vote tally.

Through evidence produced by the late General Ogolla, the CS and President learnt that the CDF, serving as VCDF was at Bomas under instructions from his seniors at the Security Council.

"Today I want to confirm that because of what happened to General Ogolla, the President as Chairman of the National Security Council has directed that no member of the council shall delegate their attendance to their juniors...some of the people who sent him to Bomas are here. So, let us not create a false narrative about General Ogolla," revealed CS Duale.

"Clear doubts"

Siaya Governor James Orengo sought to clear the lingering doubt of the alleged attempt by General Ogolla to interfere with the last general elections.

"I beg you, Your Excellency, let not General Ogolla be buried in doubt. I was in Bomas of Kenya, if you can accuse anyone accuse me because I know I was just overpowered, but General Ogolla the way I know him.

The casket bearing the remains of the Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla arrives at the Kisumu International Airport on April 21, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

He further called on the government to ensure that the probe's outcome does not end up undisclosed like others in the past.

"We have mourned many heroes in this region. I just hope that this time round, with the ongoing investigations, we will come to the conclusion of how this happened," said Mr Orengo.

On her part, Narc leader Marth Karua called for a speedy probe into the crash to end the lingering doubts.

"When an accident occurs, it is a security issue. There are security concerns which deserve an answer for the nation and since an enquiry has already been formed, we look forward to speedy investigations," said Karua.

Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga who also spoke on behalf of Opposition leader Raila Odinga who he said was indisposed and thus unable to attend the service, cautioned against making conclusions before the findings of the probe are revealed.

"The death was an accident but as a region, we have had many accidents and assassinations of leaders from this region so when such things happen, we are a bit suspicious, not because of anything but because we want to know the truth," he said.

"I want to ask our uncle, the General's son not to be impatient with us, it is not because of anything, it is because once beaten twice shy. So, we are asking for no stones to be left unturned, let us know the truth about who killed our uncle General Ogolla. He died too soon and we are a bit shaken by his death, and you people know we lost Tom Mboya in very tragic circumstances."

Oburu further recalled that he was part of the parliament's team that was probing the late Robert Ouko's death.

"It was very sad because the regime at that time managed to convince the family to be very protective and not allow anyone to go into details. So, young man please just allow investigators to do their work," said Senator Oburu.