Ruto On How Charlene Ignored His Orders Against Attending CDF Ogolla's Burial

Ruto revealed that Charlene approached him begging to attend the funeral, only for him to refuse, but she did anyway.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Apr 21, 2024 - 15:38
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Ruto On How Charlene Ignored His Orders Against Attending CDF Ogolla's Burial
A past photo of President William Ruto and his daughter, Charlene Ruto. /WILLIAM RUTO

President William Ruto on Sunday, April 21 revealed that he intended to prevent his daughter, Charlene Ruto from attending the burial of the late Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla, let alone speak at the event, only to fail at both attempts.

Speaking at the burial in Ng'iya, Siaya County, the Head of State expressed his amazement at how a gallant military personality such as the late Ogolla became a huge inspiration to his daughter and the Ruto family at large.

Ruto revealed that Charlene approached him begging to attend the funeral, only for him to refuse, but she did anyway.

"I was surprised, amazed actually that my daughter was greatly influenced by Ogolla. Yesterday, she (Charlene) called me, she is here, and she told me I must go to the funeral of General Ogolla."

Charlene Ruto posing for a photo with the late CDF Francis Ogolla. /KDF

"I told her, Charlene first there is nowhere you are going and there is no way you are going to speak anywhere. But as fate would have it, she found her way here and before I could notice she was on the microphone," Ruto remarked.

A defiant Charlene used cunning ways to outsmart her father and the event organisers by striking a deal with General Ogolla’s daughter Lorna in that when it was her time to talk, she (Lorna) called Charlene to address mourners.

In her moving tribute, Charlene expressed her condolences to the family, stating that young people have lost a mentor and a champion in General Ogolla.

She added that despite General Ogolla influencing numerous young people in the defence forces, his influence was felt by those in various leadership positions and fields such as climate space, sports, health practitioners, and many more.

"I met him last year and he spoke so highly of the Africa Youth Climate Assembly and asked how we could mainstream the culture of environmentalism and climate action in the defence forces. We may still have to do that in his honour," she said.

In a poignant moment, Charlene revealed her disbelief when she read General Ogolla's last text message to her, saying "I'm still in disbelief. I read his last text to me this time last month and I just broke down. He was truly our champion. May he rest in peace," she concluded, paying tribute to the fallen general.

"I met General Ogolla only once, but once was enough for me to experience his kindness, his genuine care and love for young people, and his determination to support us to succeed," she concluded.

“His death has hit me and my team so hard because in the fight for youth inclusion, many listen to us but few encourage, support, advise, or guide. General Ogolla was among the few."

Ogolla passed away alongside 9 others in a helicopter crash that took place in West Pokot on Thursday, April 18.

A KDF Chopper before crashing in West Pokot on Thursday, April 18, 2024. /HANDOUT

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