The late Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla’s son Joel Rabuku on Sunday, April 21, 2024 defended his father’s friendship with President William Ruto.

Speaking during the late General Ogolla’s burial ceremony in Siaya County, Rabuku stated that the Chief of Defence Forces had a genuine working relationship with the president, contrary to claims on social media that they were wrangling.

For instance, Rabuku mentioned instances where President Ruto hosted General Ogolla at State House on various occasions, where they displayed exemplary teamwork. 

“Today, I want to talk about the son of Alego. Your Excellency, until yesterday, people were speculating. I want to clear the air with the conversations I had with my father about his time with the President,” Rabuku stated.

“He did not really divulge any national security issues. The President did not have to appoint him and initially, he saw his competencies and decided this is the man for the job.

“Quickly, they became friends and formed a serious chemistry which he would tell me about. It is not the President alone but the deputy president as well.”

“I want to clear the air about my father’s time with the President. I know President Ruto’s tears yesterday were genuine,” he added.

“People should stop rumours. These guys were friends at State House. My father told me he loved the President and they were good friends.”

In addition, Joel Rabuku accused bloggers and some media houses for circulating fake information regarding the crash of the chopper which claimed the lives of  Gen Ogolla and 9 others.

“When my mother called and told me that your father had gone down in a helicopter crash, there are so useless bloggers so quick to post pictures. I have been told that my father has gone down and 10 minutes later, I am seeing a helicopter burning. What does that mean, of course, he is dead,” he wondered.

“People are so insensitive. So you broke the News, have you received an honour for breaking the news that the general is dead? Let us be sensitive.”

His remarks emerged after President Ruto clarified that he held a meeting with General Ogolla about what transpired during the 2022 August general election, before his appointment as Chief of Defence Forces.

According to the president, the late General Ogolla presented him with three choices, including a plea for forgiveness, being send to a martial court and an early retirement from the military.

“General Ogolla told me the following, ‘Mr President, I have no defence, I will not try to defend myself, what happened was wrong. You can either send me to court-martial, have me retire, or forgive me,” president Ruto revealed.