He is the second in command in the Kenya Defence Forces hierarchy today. But for the Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen John Mugaravai Omenda, this might be the highest rank he might have reached in KDF.
The rotational nature of KDF leadership among the three units means that CDF General Charles Kahariri’s successor will be from the Kenya Army.
General Kahariri, who is from the Kenya Navy inherited the position from the late General Francis Ogolla, who was from the Kenya Air Force.
As for Lt Gen Omenda, the former Kenya Air Force commander, he will be forced to retire after finishing his four-year term as the Vice CDF or upon hitting the retirement age of 61 years for officers of his rank, whichever comes first.
These are the much revered and respected Tonje rules at work. And for Lt Gen Omenda, he is set to become the next victim of the rotational KDF leadership.
For now, Kenya Army commander Lt Gen David Keter, National Defence College Commandant, Lt Gen Juma Shee Mwinyikayi and the Vice Chancellor of the National Defence University-Kenya Lt General David Tarus are the favourites to succeed General Kahariri.
Lt Gen Omenda once served as Kenya Air Force commander. Previously, he was the deputy Kenya Air Force chief.
At one point, the fighter pilot served as the Laikipia Air Base commander.