Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla has said he had to put his golf club activities aside the moment he was appointed to serve in his new role.
He said he had to sacrifice golf for him to properly deliver on his mandate.
Speaking on Wednesday during an interview on KBC, General Ogolla said despite being passionate about golf, he felt it was time for him to now focus on being the chief of defence forces.
This is the first time Ogolla spoke after his appointment. Ogolla was sworn in as the new Chief of Defence Forces in late April.
''I used to love golf but the day I was appointed the Chief of Defence Forces, I had to put my golf club duties aside and decided to focus on the job wholeheartedly,'' he said.
The CDF said the aim was to channel all his energy into delivering for the country. In order to keep fit, he said he engages in running with the military soldiers but values his time when alone.
''When I get 2, 3 hours a day to be by myself, to reflect, I appreciate that so much,'' Ogolla said.
He however said when he exits the role, Kenyans will judge him but he will want to be respected adding that he would like to leave a lasting legacy.
''I want to leave an effective military, respected and someone who will be able to deliver on his mission, whenever and wherever,'' he said.
President William Ruto on May 14 said that while he had over 10 choices on who to appoint as CDF, he settled on Ogolla consciously because of his track record and rich experience.
Defending his decisions in making state appointments, Ruto said his appointment of Ogolla shows that he values merit over the tribe.
"I appointed General Ogolla. He was among the people who went to Bomas to try to overturn my victory," he said during an interview at State House.
"But when I looked at his CV, he was the best person to be general."
Ruto said he sat down with Ogolla and reminded him how he had gone to Bomas to try to overturn his victory.
"I had 10 choices, I could have appointed anybody, I decided against the advice of many people, they told me you should not reward this kind of behaviour," he said.
