Kenyan Newspapers Review: List Of Military Top Shots Likely To Succeed Francis Ogolla

On Friday, April 26, the Kenyan newspapers delved into the late Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla's succession and listed his possible successors.

The dailies also reported on how the succession battle has rocked the Moi family, leaving some members broke and unable to pay their bills.

1. People Daily

President William Ruto faces a dilemma in choosing the next CDF to replace Francis Ogolla, who perished in a tragic helicopter crash in Elgeyo Marakwet county.

According to the publication, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) commander-in-chief must adhere to the Tonje rules, which guide the military's succession.

The rules state that the CDF must be rotated between the Kenya Army, Navy, and Air Force. Ogolla was from the Air Force, while his predecessor, Robert Kibochi, was from the Army.

This means the next CDF must come from the Kenya Navy. The Defence Council, chaired by Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, was set to meet to explore Ruto's options.

Possible successors:

• Lieutenant General Charles Kahariri - is the vice chief of defence forces from the Kenya Navy. However, since the Mt Kenya region recently produced two CDFs in Kibochi and Julius Karangi, his appointment would be risky as it would not reflect Kenya's face.
• Major General John Omenda could succeed Ogolla if Ruto extended the Air Force's tenure at the military's apex. But first, he would have to be promoted to lieutenant general.
• Lieutenant General Jimson Mutai - the vice-chancellor of the National Defence University Kenya, could be an automatic successor since he is a senior military officer in the Kenya Navy.
• Major General Thomas Ng'ang'a, the Kenyan Navy commander, would have to be promoted to lieutenant general before taking over as CDF.

2. Daily Nation

Four years after the death of retired president Daniel Arap Moi, some members of his family cannot afford the basics, including paying medical bills.

Moi, one of the wealthiest Kenyans, died in February 2020, leaving a huge fortune to his family members.

However, despite writing a will indicating how his wealth would be shared, wrangles over the distribution rocked the family.

Jonathan Moi's family is facing financial constraints after being unable to access millions left behind by the former president. Jonathan was Moi's firstborn.

His son, Gift, is sick and unable to pay his medical bills, so he sought assistance. Rift Valley leaders raised KSh 6.1 million to pay his bills.

3. The Standard

Heavy rains that have pounded most parts of the country, resulting in floods, have killed at least 45 people.

This is according to the Kenya Red Cross, which has been leading rescue efforts.

The Kenya Red Cross revealed that over 13,300 Kenyans had been displaced by floods, which injured 27 people and affected 280 businesses.

At the same time, over 5,400 livestock were lost, while 22 roads have been rendered impassable.

On Thursday, April 25, President William Ruto ordered the evacuation of all people displaced by floods.

4. The Star

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi could be kicked out of office over the fake fertiliser scandal.

Bumula lawmaker Wanami Wamboka has sponsored a motion to impeach the embattled CS.

He accused Linturi of grossly violating the constitution by failing to adhere to public participation before fertiliser distribution. The CS was also accused of interfering with investigations into the scandal.

Over 110 MPs signed the motion supported by a section of the ruling party's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) legislators.

Among them was Aldai MP Maryanne Keitany, whose brother was linked to the scam.

5. Taifa Leo

President William Ruto's UDA Party is set to hold grassroots elections nationwide.

The nationwide exercise could either strengthen the party or trigger a fallout.

On Friday, April 26, UDA members in several counties, including Nairobi, West Pokot, Narok, Busia, and Homa Bay, will cast their votes.

UDA elections board chair Antony Mwaura said the polls would open at 9am and close at 3pm.

"We want to assure our members that the exercise will be seamless, free and credible," Mwaura said.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.