Kenya Kwanza and Azimio leaders on Friday, April 28, showed a rarefied union after praising President William Ruto’s decision to appoint General Francis Omondi Ogolla as Chief of Defence Forces.
In separate statements, the leaders drawn from both sides of the divide heaped praises on the Head of State adding that his move to appoint Ogolla was a sign that the was overcoming tribalism.
Azimio Appraisals
Nairobi Woman Representative, Esther Passaris was among the first ODM leaders who congratulated Gen. Ogolla, noting that he deserved the promotion and appointment by the Head of State.
“Congratulations Lieutenant General Francis Omondi Ogolla on your well-deserved promotion to General and appointment as the Chief of Defence Forces by President William Ruto. We are honoured to have you leading our armed forces,” Passaris explained.
Blogger and Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai, was also part of Raila supporters who congratulated Gen Ogolla on his appointment.
“Congratulations Gen Francis Ogolla. Disciplined, professional and focused,” Alai posted on his Twitter page.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, who is known for constant criticism of the Head of State, lessened his stance by noting that Ogolla’s appointment was the only well-merited appointment by the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“The only well-merited appointment by Kenya Kwanza administration. Congratulations General,” Kaluma stated.
Saboti Member of Parliament (MP) Caleb Amisi, on the other hand, praised Retired General Daudi Tonje for championing the separation of the military from national politics, which led to the appointment of General Ogolla.
“Thanks to General Daudi Tonje’s rules. Separation of the military from national politics and the order of military succession is paramount; it has ensured my good friend and most competent Lt. General Francis Ogolla appointed new Chief of Defence Forces of Kenya,” Amisi stated.
Kenya Kwanza Leaders Appraisals
Ministry of Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale led Kenya Kwanza leaders in congratulating Ogolla noting that the move was aimed at strengthening military operations
“Ogolla’s appointment was in a government move aimed at strengthening military operations, and building an efficient and effective defence unit,” read part of Duale’s statement.
Nandi County Senator Samson Cherargey, on the other hand, noted that the new appointee was the President’s move to promote national unity.
“Congratulations Lt. General Francis Ogolla for being promoted to Chief of Defence Forces(CDF) by H.E Dr William Ruto the President of Kenya.
“Thank you for repaying hate with love and kindness and ensuring national unity into prosperity,” read part of Cherargey’s statement.
Political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi also praised the newly appointed Chief of Defence Forces noting that he was an elegant soldier.
“Congratulations Gen. Ogolla for your appointment as Chief of Defence Forces. I interacted with him when we both served Uhuru Kenyatta. He is an elegant soldier and a credible Christian,” Ngunyi stated.
In his new position, Ogolla took over from General Robert Kibochi who retired from service.
Ogolla will be deputised by Lieutenant General Jonah Mwangi who assumed the role of Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF).
Ruto also promoted Major General Said Farah to take over Mwangi’s job as the Vice Chancellor of the National Defence University, Kenya.
