Francis Ogolla: Late KDF Boss's Son Says He Was Best Friend With William Ruto, Gachagua

• Joel Rabuku, the late General Francis Ogolla's son, said his father maintained a positive relationship with President William Ruto
• He condemned Kenyan bloggers for being insensitive in revealing his father's demise on social media ahead of the president's declaration
• He also assured that the head of state became teary during General Ogolla's military honour because of their close bond

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

General Francis Ogolla, the Chief of Defence Forces, will be laid to rest on Sunday, April 21, in the afternoon at his rural home in Ng'iya, Alego-Usonga Constituency, Siaya county.

The tragic helicopter crash on Thursday, April 18, claimed the lives of General Ogolla and nine other soldiers in Elgeyo-Marakwet county.

Since the incident, there has been speculation surrounding the accident and the late general's appointment.

What was the relationship between Ruto, General Ogolla?

Joel Rabuku, the son of the late KDF boss, clarified that his father maintained positive relationships with President William Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.

Rabuku dismissed claims circulating on social media linking the executive to General Ogolla's demise.

"I want to clear the air with the conversations I had with my father about his time with the president. The president did not have to appoint him first of all. Initially, he saw his competence and decided that he was the man for the job. And very quickly, they started becoming friends and formed a serious chemistry.

They formed a serious working security relationship of securing the country together with the deputy president and his cabinet secretary. They became like brothers. I have seen the chats on Twitter and I feel sorry for them. It was a very serious blow to the three of them," he said.

Rabuku sympathised with Ruto for the pain he felt during the loss and memorial of the late General Ogolla.

How did Joel Rabuku criticise bloggers?

Furthermore, he denounced bloggers who quickly spread news of his father's passing before the Executive officially shared the tragic information as required by law.

"My mom called to inform me that a helicopter carrying my dad had gone down. 10 minutes later, I saw a helicopter burning on social platforms. What does that mean? Of coarse he is dead. So bloggers, be sensitive," he added.

Oburu Odinga slams Rabuku at father's funeral

Meanwhile, Siaya senator Oburu Odinga has urged the late general's son to let the government probe the death of CDF.

Oburu said the region had lost several leaders due to alleged assassination hence the need to know the truth.

His statement was a response to Rabuku who had cleared the air on the speculation doing rounds regarding his father's demise.

What else you need to know about General Ogolla's demise

• A section of KDF officers became emotional while honouring their late commander
• General Francis Ogolla willed that the KDF officers take his widow on vacation upon his demise
• The late Chief of Defence Forces has been buried after 72 hours according to his wish

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke