Francis Ogolla: Video Of CDF Respectfully Apologising To Rachel Ruto Re-Emerges

• A video captured in 2023 depicted General Francis Ogolla making a speech at the Embakasi Garrison
• President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto attended the event honouring Kenyan soldiers on the frontline
• The late, four-star general was captured on video profusely apologising to Rachel after a protocol mishap

A protocol hitch in 2023 forced the late General Francis Ogolla to apologise to President William Ruto for snubbing his wife, First Lady Rachel.

Why did Francis Ogolla apologise to Rachel Ruto?

Ogolla breached protocol after failing to recognise Rachel during celebrations to mark Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Day.

Speaking just before inviting Ruto to make his address, General Ogolla said he did not acknowledge Rachel at the beginning of his salutations.

Ogolla only recognised Ruto and then skipped to Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and permanent secretaries, among others.

"I want to make an apology, Your Excellency. While going through the salutations, I discovered I did not recognise Her Excellency the First Lady. I apologise, Your Excellency," said Ogolla.

The annual event held at Embakasi Garrison, Nairobi, was in honour of the valour and gallantry of the Kenyan soldiers on the frontline.

Did General Ogolla try interfering with election results?

Described as a humble giant, Ogolla did not exert the power of his office on anyone; he interacted with all freely and admitted whenever he erred.

Eulogising Ogolla at Ulinzi Sports Complex, Ruto said the late CDF expressed remorse for the chaos at Bomas of Kenya in 2022.

According to Ruto, Ogolla said he would not defend himself and was ready to get court-martialled, retire, or be forgiven. Ruto said he overlooked it and appointed him as the CDF because he was more qualified.

However, CS Duale defended Ogolla against accusations of trying to interfere with the election results at his burial in Siaya county.

Duale qualified Raila Odinga's statement on April 20 that Ogolla would never try to tamper with election results.

Duale said Ogolla constantly wondered why he was being sent to Bomas when he was not a National Security Advisory Committee member.

The Defence boss added that Ogolla would never just go to Bomas. He further urged people to stop making false accusations.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.