• Infantry man leans heavily on long military experience, education abroad and in country as well as counsel from his superiors to seek peace in DRC.
Image: VICTOR IMBOTO
Colonel Daniel Rotich was the tip of the spear in 2012 when KDF was trying to capture Somalia's southern port city of Kismayo, a pivotal town, during the battle against al Shabaab.
Now, he is commander of the Kenyan Contingent in the Eastern DRC.
The 50-year-old infantryman told the Star he is leaning heavily on his long military experience, education abroad and in Kenya as well as counsel from superiors to do the heavy lifting for peace
He is the Sector Commander, overseeing KDF troops deployed at the Force Headquarters in Goma and those in Kibati, Kibumba, Rumangabo and Tongo areas that fall within the Masisi, Rutshuru and Nyiragongo territories.
South Sudanese soldiers are also in this sector. The self-assured military man said he has the right skill set, leadership abilities and experience to guide the team in the peace-seeking despite the complexities involved.
“The prospect of peace here is great. The future bodes well for this country and the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) is doing a great job. It systematically follows the guidelines in doing its work,” he said.
“M23 is systematically and gradually withdrawing to the cantonment areas as per the Luanda roadmap and the civilian population is gradually returning.”
“We are protecting civilians. We opened up the Bunagana-Rutshuru-Rumangabo-Kibumba-Goma main supply route for free movement of people and goods," he said.
"We also enhance humanitarian support to the population. If this pace sustains, the future of peace and stability is within grasp for DRC,” an upbeat Rotich said.
The colonel was crucial in putting together the strategy for the DRC mission.
He mobilised the troops, selection of personnel, scouting for and matching their capabilities and designing their training regimen.
The contingent underwent a five months’ training at Isiolo and Mt Kenya Forest.
Rotich enlisted in 1993 and graduated a year later at the Army Training School in Lanet, Nakuru.
He was posted to the 3rd Kenya Rifles in Nakuru within 2nd battle brigade. He later trained abroad at the Infantry School in United Kingdom.
In the 2012 KDF campaign to capture Kismayo, then a stronghold of al Shabaab, his combat and organisational skills got sharpened.
The operation was christened 'Operation Sledge Hammer'.
As the battalion’s second in command in the Somalia operation, Rotich had his infantry skills tested, a campaign in which KDF fought alongside Somali’s National Army.
The result was a surprise descent into the city in the night by the troops, easily dislodging the militants and inflicting huge losses on them.
Later, when the Somalia operation morphed into AMISON, the infantryman became a subsector commander in the Gedo region, overseeing operations within that area.
His skill would prove valuable later on as the deputy commander for three years in the Boni Forest operation in Lamu, an operation christened Fagia Msitu.
His efforts were pivotal in repulsing the al Shabaab attack on Manda Base on January 5, 2020, which turned the tide against the group that had set up a deadly ambush.
Rotich's exceptional ability to mobilise troops, coordinate air-to-ground support during critical operations, and demonstrate strategic judgement on the field earned him a commendation medal from the US Africa Command (AFRICOM).
During the award ceremony, US AFRICOM director of operations Major General Gregory Anderson commended Rotich, alongside his colleagues Major Martin Muthaura and Corporal Peter Shikuri for their prompt response.
Their actions were crucial in countering and thwarting the terrorists who had attacked Camp Simba in Manda, which houses KDF and US military personnel.
Combined with his stint at MONUSCO, the UN Stabilisation Mission in the DRC where he had command duties in 2010 for one year, Rotich is duty-ready like never before.
He has also worked with the 8th mechanised brigade in Marsabit.
Colonel Rotich's work philosophy is based on a commitment to service, discipline, and hard work.
He has two children.
(Edited by V. Graham