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.
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.