President William Ruto has defended his recent appointment of General Francis Ogolla as the new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF), despite the general being among those who contested his election victory at the Bomas of Kenya.
Speaking to reporters at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto said that he makes very deliberate appointments and tries to spread them from all parts of the country, adding that all Kenyans are equal before the law and that national balance and support base are considered when making appointments.
President Ruto stated that he appointed General Ogolla based on his credentials, despite his involvement in the Bomas incident.
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He further noted that when he talked to General Ogolla about the issue, he admitted that what he did was wrong and had no defense for his actions. The President also acknowledged that Nyanza had not had a General since independence, making General Ogolla’s appointment historic.
General Ogolla is a decorated officer who has served in various capacities in the military, including as the Deputy Army Commander.
He takes over from General Robert Kibochi, who was appointed as the Chief of Defence Forces in May 2020.
President Ruto expressed confidence in General Ogolla’s ability to lead the KDF, stating that his appointment was based on merit and the need for a leader who can navigate the complex security challenges facing the country.
The appointment of General Ogolla was been received with mixed reactions, with some questioning the President’s decision to appoint someone who contested his election victory.
However, others praised the move, citing the need for national unity and the importance of considering merit over politics when making appointments.
With General Ogolla’s appointment, the KDF has become the latest institution to witness a change in leadership in recent months, following a wave of retirements and appointments in various sectors of the government.
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