President Ruto reveals the special gift General Ogolla gave him

President William Ruto has opened up on a special Christmas gift given to him by the late Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla last year.

President Ruto revealed that the gift gave him a peek into the operating mind of the late Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) boss and reassured him that he had made the right choice in appointing him to the helm of the country’s military services.

“Last year, on December 9, 2023, General Ogolla gifted me a framed photograph; on one side was a Bible verse from the Book of Isaiah 41:10, presented in beautiful calligraphy that read, “Fear thou not, for I am with thee. Be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee, I will help thee, I will uphold thee with my righteousness,’” he said.

“On the other side of the photo was a map of Kenya with multiple silhouettes of soldiers in diverse military roles. It was a thoughtful gift that embodied General Ogolla’s personality as a patriot, a gallant General, a Christian, and a visionary leader. He understood the value of defence for national tranquility and the obligation of the office of the Chief of Defence towards national prosperity.”

Speaking at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday during a memorial service in honour of the late General Ogolla, President Ruto revealed that the late CDF was killed in the line of duty while executing his primary responsibility of keeping the country safe.

The Head of State went ahead to reassure the family of the late General of the government’s support in burying and keeping his honour and values in check.

“When I asked him that five schools needed to be renovated, he didn’t ask me for money, he went to his budget and asked his officers to reorganize it, so that he could respond to the needs of children who were out of school. General Ogolla was always clear minded on the strategies the military could execute and how to grow the KDF,” said Ruto

“I want to assure Mama Aileen and your children and family that the government of Kenya and myself personally will be there to make sure that General, not only gets a decent send-off, but also his family will be looked after by the people of Kenya in honour of the great service Geneal Ogolla gave to this country.”