Though the much revered Tonje Rules have managed smooth military succession in the country, somehow, they have disadvantaged senior generals from assuming the leadership mantle of the Kenya Defence Forces.
According to the rules, the KDF leadership should rotate among the three units of the military: Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force and Kenya Navy.
This has been a military tradition in the country since 2000 when General ( Rtd) Daudi Tonje retired and was succeeded by General ( Rtd) Joseph Kibwana from the Kenya Navy.
In Kenya today, General Charles Kahariri of the Kenya Navy is at the helm having taken over from the late General Francis Ogolla who was from the Kenya Air Force.
This means that the next KDF chief will be from the Kenya Army. And the current unit commander Lt General David Tarus is a front runner for the position.
The ascension of Lt General Tarus will be a big disadvantage to the current Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt General John Omenda who is from the Kenya Air Force.
As it stands, Lt General Omenda will not rise higher than his current position which will run for four years. This means that, even if he would not have reached retirement age, the Tonje Rules will push him home.
Lt General Omenda succeeded General Kahariri following the latter’s promotion to lead the KDF. Previously, he served as Kenya Air Force commander, deputy Air Force commander and Laikipia Air Base commander.
By Newshub