Pressure Mounts on Kalonzo as Lawmakers Seek DCI Action Over ‘Politically Charged’ Ogolla Claims
A section of Rift Valley lawmakers has urged Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to present himself to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) following his recent remarks suggesting that former Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla did not die accidentally.
The legislators argued that Kalonzo’s comments—made during a burial ceremony in Siaya County on Saturday—were politically charged and risked heightening national tension as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Baringo North on Sunday, Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno accused the former vice president of making grave allegations without substantiating them.
“I heard Kalonzo making noise regarding the death of Ogolla. He was claiming that he was killed,” Ng’eno said. “If you have any information on who might have led to the death of Ogolla, please report to the police and the DCI so that the alleged killer can be arrested.”
Ng’eno insisted that responsible leaders should not make explosive statements at public forums unless they are prepared to present evidence before investigative agencies.
Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago issued an even sharper rebuke, questioning Kalonzo’s moral authority to comment on matters of national integrity. Mandago revisited the disputed 2007 presidential election, alleging that Kalonzo had benefited from irregularities before being appointed vice president under President Mwai Kibaki.
“If you are truly an honest man, you should not have served as the vice president to Kibaki,” Mandago said. “Because you know you did not win the election. That is why you were sworn in at night.”
The lawmakers, who spoke during a church fundraiser in Kanui, Baringo North, warned that such rhetoric could inflame political divisions ahead of the next election cycle. They appealed to Kenyans to treat sensational statements with caution and allow investigative bodies to handle matters touching on national security.
What Kalonzo Said About Ogolla’s Death
Kalonzo’s remarks were delivered during the burial of Beryl Achieng Odinga, the sister of ODM leader Raila Odinga, at Kang’o ka Jaramogi. Addressing mourners, he claimed that the late General Ogolla—who died in a helicopter crash in April—was “taken out”, insisting that his death was not accidental.
“What happened? I said myself that General Ogolla was taken out,” Kalonzo declared. “I still stand by that statement. We are going to interrogate every circumstance… Ogolla did not fall to an accident. He was taken out. We owe it to our people to seek the truth and to speak it without fear.”
He later reiterated the same sentiments in a Facebook post, arguing that the region had lost “too many great voices” in circumstances that warranted deeper investigation.
Beryl Odinga, who died at the age of 72, was buried just 40 days after Raila Odinga’s own funeral, a period marked by public reflection within the Odinga family and their supporters.
Not the First Controversy
This is not the first time Kalonzo has challenged the official account of General Ogolla’s death. In April, shortly after the fatal helicopter crash, he questioned why the military chief had been dispatched on what he described as a “small assignment”, suggesting the nature of the flight raised unanswered questions.
At the time, Kalonzo even said he would be willing to defend his position before investigators, daring the DCI to summon him if necessary.
The government has repeatedly maintained that Ogolla’s death was accidental and that the official investigation followed established military and aviation protocols.
As pressure mounts from Rift Valley lawmakers, it remains to be seen whether the DCI will invite Kalonzo to record a formal statement or whether the matter will continue to play out in the political arena ahead of the 2027 elections.
Also Read: I Don’t See Why Ruto Can’t Get a Second Term – Khalwale
Pressure Mounts on Kalonzo as Lawmakers Seek DCI Action Over ‘Politically Charged’ Ogolla Claims