KDF Succession: Charles Kahariri To Replace Francis Ogolla In An Acting Capacity

• The Defence Council, comprising the Defence CS, PS, CDF and three commanders of Kenya Defence Forces, advises the president on the appointment of a substantive CDF
• General Francis Ogolla's death marks the first time a Chief of Defence Forces died while in office
• His death leaves his deputy CDF Lieutenant General Charles Kahariri with all the CDF powers in an acting capacity
• Former military general during former president Daniel Moi's tenure said Ogolla's death did not leave a vacuum as his deputy would serve as CDF in an acting capacity

Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lieutenant General Charles Kahariri will be the acting Chief of Defence Forces following General Francis Ogolla's death.

Francis Ogolla succession

Ogolla and nine other Kenya Defence Forces officers died in a helicopter crash on Thursday, April 18, during a visit to troops deployed to implement the Maliza Uhalifu operation to flush out livestock bandits.

Ogolla's death opened up discussions on who would succeed him. Kenyans argued which KDF branch would produce Ogolla's successor based on a formula from former Chief of Staff of Kenya Armed Forces Daudi Tonje.

Tonje, who served as the armed forces General between 1996 and 2000, introduced a rotational appointment of military generals.

Did Francis Ogolla's death create a vacuum in military command?

Ogolla is the first Chief of Defence Forces who died while still serving, creating a near vacuum in the military command of the country.

However, Tonje said that the military never has a vacuum, and Ogolla's vice, Kahariri, automatically assumed the CDF office after Ogolla's death.

Addressing the press in his Kitale, Trans Nzoia home on Friday, April 19, Tonje said Kahariri would serve in the capacity that Ogolla served until the president appointed another substantive CDF.

"The vice chief of defence forces will take over in an acting capacity until when the president announces a substantive general in accordance with the law," said Tonje.

His sentiments corroborate with other military officers' assurance that Kahariri began acting as the CDF immediately after Ogolla's death.

How many branches does the Kenya Defence Forces have?

The Kenya Defence Forces have the Kenya Navy, Army, and Air Force, which are mandated to protect the country from water, land, and air, respectively.

Kaharirir was promoted to the Lieutenant General position on March 8, 2024, and appointed the deputy of Ogolla.

Ogolla, then a vice CDF, was promoted from Lieutenant General to General in April 2023 and appointed CDF.

Ogolla, a pilot, was drawn from the Kenya Airforce and succeeded General Robert Kibochi, who was drawn from the Kenya Army.

Kibochi succeeded General Samson Mwathethe from the Kenya Navy branch of KDF.

Daudi Tonje's rules

If Tonje's rules are to be followed, President William Ruto will appoint the next substantive CDF from the Kenya Navy, Kahariri and Lieutenant Jimson Mutai would be the ideal appointments.

Kahariri, the substantive vice CDF and acting CDF, is currently a step ahead of Mutai, the vice chancellor of the Kenya Defence University.

However, the Tonje rules are not documented anywhere in the KDF Act and may not be followed despite it being the tradition of succession in the military.

KDF doctrines dictate that a General retires at 62 or after serving a full term of four years, whichever comes first.

Until a substantive appointment, Kahariri will have all the powers of the CDF, Business Daily reported.

More about Francis Ogolla's death

• According to his wishes, General Francis Ogolla will be buried in his Siaya home on Sunday, April 21.
• General Charles Kahariri was promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed the Vice Chief of Defence Forces on March 8, 2024.
• General Francis Ogolla was set to open a church in his Siaya home on Sunday before the helicopter crash.