Ruto, my father were best of friends - General Ogolla’s son

 

The late Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla's son Joel Rabuku Omondi has dismissed rumours that his father’s relationship with President William Ruto was frosty.

Addressing mourners at the burial of his father in Ng’iya village, Alego Usonga sub-county in Siaya County on Sunday, Omondi termed the relationship between the two as cordial.

“People should stop that talk. These guys were friends at State House,” he said.

Omondi recalled how his father would tell him he had fruitful discussions with the President when they met.

“He would tell me he had a very good meeting with the boss, without telling the details and it was not just with the President alone, the Deputy President as well. They formed a serious working relationship to secure the country. These people became like brothers,” he added.

Omondi said the President appointed his father to the position because of his competency and experience.

“Very quickly, they formed a serious chemistry. I feel bad for them when I see the bad things people are saying on social media,” he added.

He further said the death of his father was a serious blow to the President and the Deputy President.

“When I saw you holding back tears, I knew it was genuine and not crocodile tears as some people were saying,” he stated.

Omondi hit out at bloggers for being insensitive to people who are going through difficult times.

“There are very useless bloggers, who are so quick to post pictures. Some people are so insensitive. So you broke the news, have you been given his job?” he posed.

Ogolla was among the 10 officers who died in a helicopter crash on Thursday on the border between Elgeyo Marakwet and Uasin Gichu counties.

They were on a peace mission in the troubled Rift Valley region, which has been plagued by cattle rustling and banditry.

On Saturday, Opposition leader Raila Odinga called for thorough investigations into the helicopter crash that killed Ogolla and nine other military officers.

Speaking at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata, Nairobi during military honours and memorial service on Saturday, Raila said the investigations should establish why the helicopter came down.

“Because of the manner in which Ogolla died, a lot of rumours are flying all over. We want these rumours to be put to rest,” he stated.

Raila further said it was time the country took a look at the conditions of its military equipment.

BY  ALLAN KISIA