Joel Rabuku Ogolla: The Unexpected Face of Social Media Spotlight
Joel Rabuku Ogolla has emerged as the most talked about individual on social media
Rabuku is the son of the late General Francis Ogolla, who previously served as Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF).
Rabuku was only known by his name until Friday when he showed up alongside his family members to receive President William Ruto.
The President who was accompanied by the First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto had gone to condole at their Nairobi home.
Since then, Rabuku has been trending at the top on X.
This is barely a day since his father was laid to rest at their Ng’iya home in Siaya.
So what exactly, has captured the public attention that has propelled him to the top?
In the lead-up to the burial of General Ogolla, Joel has been a symbol of strength and grace in the family in the face of the loss.
He has been vocal making profound statements about his father even boldly appealing to mourners not to be sad over the death of his father but to celebrate.
He had been picked as the family coordinator in the funeral arrangements that were being spearheaded by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
While addressing mourners during the funeral on Sunday, he dispelled rumors that his father’s relationship with President Ruto was frosty, but instead termed it 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.
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“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 went on to tell off those speculating about the death of his father calling out bloggers over insensitive posts about the chopper crash that claimed the life of his father and nine other soldiers.
“Bloggers, you are so quick to post pictures. I was told by my mom my dad had gone down, 10 minutes later I saw a helicopter burning, what does that mean? Of course, he’s dead,” he posed.
“Umepewa ( have you been awarded) EGH for breaking the news that the General is dead? Let us be sensitive,” he retorted.
In quick response, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, however, urged the family of the late General Ogolla to allow a probe into the crash undertaken saying even though it was an accident they want the truth.
“We want to ask the General’s son (Joel) not to be impatient with us. It’s not because of anything it is because once bitten twice shy. We are asking that no stones be left unturned and let us know the truth on what killed General Ogolla,” Oburu stated.
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“In this region, we have had many such accidents and we have also had assassinations of leaders from this region. So when such things happen we are a bit suspicious not because of anything, but we want to know the truth,” he added.
On Saturday, Opposition leader Raila Odinga emphasized the need for thorough investigations into the crash.
“Because of how Ogolla died, a lot of rumors are flying all over. We want these rumors to be put to rest,” he stated.
The young Ogolla has now created enemies and friends in equal measure.
While many have defended him others have criticised him.
“Our people like politicizing everything and creating enemies where there are none. It is called siege mentality, a very effective tool a family has used for ages to keep Luos under political chains,” an X user Samson Ogola.
Now you understand why Oburu had to get up to dismiss Joel, even though Joel knew the late General better than Oburu,” Ogola said.
“Joel Ogolla’s two seconds of fame following his father’s death are over. He can go back to whatever hole he emerged from,” another user wrote.
General Ogolla was laid to rest on Sunday in Siaya. The funeral was led by President Ruto.
Joel Rabuku Ogolla: The Unexpected Face of Social Media Spotlight
