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.
Kenya Army Commander Lt Gen David Keter, who is one of the front runners to succeed General Charles Muriu Kahariri as the CDF PHOTO | FACEBOOK
For now, Kenya Army commander Lt Gen David Keter, National Defence University-Kenya Vice Chancellor Lt Gen David Tarus and National Defence College Commandant, Lt Gen Juma Shee Mwinyikayi, are the favourites to succeed General Kahariri.
Lt Gen Keter succeeded Lt Gen David Tarus as Kenya Army commander in the top military changes made by President William Ruto in June 2025
Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen John Mugaravai Omenda with Defence Principal Secretary Dr Patrick Mariru in a past function [ Photo: Facebook ]
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