Military succession: Who takes over after General Ogolla?

Ogolla, 61, died in a chopper crash on Thursday.

According to Tonje Rules - that guide promotion and retirement of senior military officers-the next CDF should come from Kenya Navy.

Under the rules, the position of the CDF is rotated among Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force and Kenya Navy.

Ogolla was from Kenya Air Force while his predecessor General Robert Kibochi was from Kenya Army.

He was appointed to the position 11 months ago and was set to retire after attaining mandatory exit age of 62.

He, however, could also have gotten an extension in office by a year if the Defence Council, which he is a member advised.

It is not clear whether the rules introduced by celebrated General (Rtd) Daudi Tonje, would allow Ogolla’s successor to be picked from the Kenya Air Force until his term ends.

Currently, National Defence University Vice Chancellor Lt Gen Jimson Mutai, Kenya Navy Maj Gen Thomas Njoroge Ng'ang'a and Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Charles Muriu Kahariri are the possible successors.

Under the norms in the military, Lt Gen Mutai and Maj Gen Ng'ang'a stand the best chance to succeed Gen Ogolla.

This is because they have both been service commanders.

Lt Gen Kahariri, who is an arm away from the boss, has served as a deputy commander at the Kenya Navy. He may take over.

Besides Maj Gen Ng'ang'a, other service commanders are Kenya Army Commander Lt Gen David Tarus and Kenya Air Force Commander Maj Gen John Omenda. 

KDF Act states that a CDF, his deputy and service commanders shall serve a single term of four years or retire upon attaining the mandatory retirement age.

But the Act also says the President may, on the recommendation of the National Defence Council, extend the CDF’s term for a period not exceeding one year.

This can happen in times of war or emergencies such as political uncertainties.

On March 8, the military announced some changes in the top command that saw the Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Jonah Mwangi retired.

He was nominated as Kenyan Ambassador to Iran.

Army Commander Lt Gen Peter Mbogo Njiru also left the service after attaining his retirement age. He had served for 39 years after joining the service in 1985 as a cadet.

The new VCDF is Maj Gen Kahariri, who was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General, while Maj Gen David Kimaiyo Tarus took over as Commander Kenya Army.

The Defence Council also known as Board One met yesterday under the chairmanship of Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and made the changes.  

Until he was appointed Commander Kenya Navy, Maj Gen Ng'ang'a was the Base Commander Kenya Navy Base Manda.

Other changes made include Maj Gen Juma Shee Mwinyikai, who was promoted to rank of Lt Gen and appointed commandant of National Defence College and Maj Gen Mohamed Nur Hassan, who was appointed the Deputy Army Commander.

Other changes included Brig Luka Kipkemoi Kuto, who was promoted to Maj Gen and posted as the General Officer Eastern Command, while Maj Gen Aphaxard Muthuri Kiugu was posted to the Military Academy and named the commandant.

Maj Gen John Maison Nkoimo was posted to the border security command and appointed the General Officer Commanding.

Brig Peter Shikuku Chelimo was named the deputy commander of the Kenya Navy while Brig Yahya Abdi was named the senior directing staff Kenya Navy at the National Defence College.