General Ogolla was ordered to go to Bomas in 2022, Duale says

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.[File, Standard]

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has strongly defended the fallen CDF General Francis Ogolla's presence at the 2022 General Election national tallying centre.

Duale made the sentiments during the burial ceremony of the deceased soldier in Siaya County, where talks of the General’s alleged attempt to alter the 2022 Election results at Bomas of Kenya were dominant.

In his speech, Duale said that past text messages were showing that General Ogolla was sent to Boma of Kenya by senior members of the National Security Council.

“The General shared text messages with me from his superiors and members of the National Security Council at the time. He was given directions by a leader to go to Bomas. When he got there, the IEBC Chair kept them waiting for five hours after which he said results to be announced at 3 pm,’ Duale says.

‘When he asked what he was doing, he was told to stay with his colleagues. Before his appointment, we had a one-on-one discussion with him for hours at my home before he discussed with the president,”

Following the alleged happenings, President William Ruto directed that members of NSC can never delegate the attendance or membership to their juniors, Duale says.

“He decided because tomorrow there will be a repeat,”

As a result of allegations by some leaders on the appointment of people from the Region, Duale said the region had produced some of the best Generals in military history.

“Sometimes let us not create a false narrative. This region has produced decorated Generals like General Owiti and General Opande,”

Duale has also defended his master President William Ruto, saying he defied all odds and advice to appoint General Ogolla as the Chief of Defence Forces.

“Most people opposed Ogolla’s appointment, because of the events of August 15, 2022 and forgot all his credentials and achievements. Ruto is not a vengeful leader,”

According to the president, General Ogolla was the best fit for the position, despite the controversies that arose.

“If I had another chance, I would appoint him again as the CDF. I am confident in his hands the country’s security was top-notch. Those who never worked closely might not understand who he was. Few can fit his categorisation and shoes. I know what Kenya has lost,” Ruto said.