Ruto Faces Backlash for Accusing KDF Chief Ogolla of Undermining Election Results
Alego Usonga Sam Atandi, a member of parliament, has criticized President William Ruto for his remarks that he appointed General Francis Ogolla as the new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) despite alleged attempts to overturn his presidential victory in the General Election of last year.
Ruto claimed in a televised interview with media outlets on Sunday evening that he was advised not to appoint Ogolla out of concern that he was part of a team that attempted to reverse his presidential victory in August 2022.
“General Ogolla was among those who traveled to Bomas in an attempt to overturn my victory, but after reviewing his resume, I concluded that he was the most qualified candidate for the position of general. Many aspects of my system outweighed what he had done, he told reporters at State House in Nairobi.
People believe I chose Ogolla because he was the deputy CDF, but this is not true. I made the choice deliberately and against the advice of many people.”
Now, Atandi is criticizing the Head of State for associating Ogola with the standoff before the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared the president-elect at the Bomas of Kenya.
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“To discuss the issue of Bomas and link them to General Ogola is, in my opinion, an error in judgment by President Ruto… Atandi stated on Monday that we must move on from the Bomas controversy, regardless of whether it occurred or not.
In the opinion of the representative, the president’s remark tarnishes General Ogola’s reputation and casts doubt on his suitability for office.
We celebrate Ogola’s promotion to chief of the armed forces, as he holds office with competence.
On Citizen TV’s Day Break program, a lawmaker remarked, “The president should not continue to make statements that harm Ogola’s reputation.”
He added, “When you say that many other candidates could have been appointed, you do not accord him the respect he deserves. When he sits in an office, his subordinates will regard him with disdain.
On April 29, General Ogolla replaced General Robert Kariuki Kibochi, whose term had expired.
During the hearing of the 2022 presidential election petition, IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati filed an affidavit naming Ogolla (then Vice Chief of Defence Forces), Hillary Mutyambai (former Police Inspector General), Kennedy Ogeto (former Solicitor General), and Kennedy Kihara (former Attorney General) as officials who pressured him to moderate the presidential results in favor of Ruto’s main rival, Raila Odinga.
Last month, during Ogola’s inauguration, President Ruto said, “You have my and the Kenyan people’s confidence.”
Ruto Faces Backlash for Accusing KDF Chief Ogolla of Undermining Election Results
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