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Kenya's President Ruto Appoints New Chief of Defense Forces

© AP Photo / Brian IngangaKenya's President William Ruto speaks at a flag-handover ceremony for members from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), ahead of their future deployment to eastern Congo as part of the newly-created East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), at the Embakasi garrison in Nairobi, Kenya Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022.
Kenya's President William Ruto speaks at a flag-handover ceremony for members from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), ahead of their future deployment to eastern Congo as part of the newly-created East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), at the Embakasi garrison in Nairobi, Kenya Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 29.04.2023
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President of Kenya, William Ruto, who has been serving as leader of the nation since September 2022, has recently made his first changes in military command, appointing a new head of the country's defense forces.
President Ruto has promoted Lt Gen Francis Ogolla to the rank of General and Chief of the Defense Forces (CDF). The official swearing-in ceremony took place at State House in Nairobi.
General Ogolla succeeds army veteran General Robert Kibochi whose term has ended. The General has retired after 44 years in the military, three of which were as CDF.
Ogolla, who is now the 11th head of the Kenya Defense Forces, was previously the Commander of the Air Force and Vice-Chief of the Defense Forces. Lt Gen Jonah Mwangi, who was Vice-Chancellor at the National Defense University, now takes over as Ogolla's deputy. These changes, including other recent appointments in the military, were made on the advice of the Defense Council, chaired by Cabinet Secretary for Defense Aden Duale.
Local media reported that the General is an experienced professional who has relevant expertise to navigate the country's military through the modern security challenges, including terrorism. He commanded the service for three years and has served as Vice-CDF since July 2021.
Kenya's new president William Ruto holds up a ceremonial sword as he is sworn in to office at a ceremony held at Kasarani stadium in Nairobi, Kenya Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022.  - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 22.12.2022
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It was noted that the recent appointment was made in accordance with a military tradition in Kenya, known as the Tonje Rules - in honor of General Daudi Tonje, who was head of the Kenya Defense Forces from 1996 to 2000. According to the Rules, the position of CDF rotates among the three services - Navy, Army and Air Force. The chief serves for four years with a possible year's extension.
With the former CDF being from the Army, and General Ogolla from the Air Force, the next head of the defense forces should be from the Navy.
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