President William Ruto yesterday effected changes at the apex of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in a move triggered by the last month’s demise of General Francis Ogolla as the country’s military chief.

President Ruto, in his capacity as the KDF Commander-in-Chief promoted Lieut-Gen Charles Kahariri to the rank of General and appointed him the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) while also promoting Major-General John Omenda to the rank of Lieutenant-General and appointed him as  the Vice-Chief of Defence Forces (VCDF).  Kahariri was the Vice CDF while Omenda was the Commander of the Kenya Air Force (KAF).

Ruto also appointed Major-General Fatuma Ahmed to replace Omenda at KAF, making her the first woman to hold the coveted position.

The most intriguing matter since Ogolla’s death was his succession. It was a delicate matter that required the President to navigate with a lot of care and statesmanship. We are persuaded that  his decision yesterday is commendable as it could provide stability to a sensitive organisation.

For the last 23 years, the military has been guided by the Tonje Rules which were instituted by the retired Chief of General Staff (CGS) General Daudi Tonje and the KDF Act . Under the Tonje Rules, the position of the CDF is rotated among the three Services.

The holder of the position retires after serving for four years or attaining the age of 62 years, whichever comes first.  Lt-Generals retire at 60 years and Major-Generals at 58.

In line with the Tonje rules, at no time can both the CDF and his/her deputy, the Vice-Chief of Defence Forces (VCDF) come from the same Service.

On its part, the KDF Act stipulates that appointment to the top leadership position of KDF must always reflect the face of Kenya.

President Ruto was not obligated to stick to the Tonje Rules as they are not constitutionally binding, though doing so would have elicited unwarranted frictions before their formulation..

It is against this background that we laud President Ruto for sticking to the Tonje Rules. His move assures confidence and continuity within KDF.

We also laud the President for appointing Major-General Fatuma Ahmed as KAF chief.

Her appointment provides inspiration to Kenyan  girls who aspire to  serve in the military that their dreams are within reach.