By Peter Ochieng
President William Ruto wants the newly appointed top command of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) including the newly installed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri to uphold the institution’s integrity and professionalism.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of Kahariri and other generals at State House Nairobi on Friday, the President said KDF has a rich history of unwavering dedication, commitment and discipline that have positioned Kenya positively.
“Our KDF has a history of professionalism, loyalty and commitment. I exhort you to live up to that history,” he said.
Also sworn in were Lt-General John Omenda (Vice Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces), Major General Fatima Ahmed (Kenya Air Force Commander) and Major-General Paul Otieno (Kenya Navy Commander).
The President said the new team should serve the country and people devoid of tribal and ethnic inclinations.
“You have my support and the goodwill of the people of Kenya,” he said.
He also called on them to be firm, but fair when dealing with their juniors.
Kahariri takes over from General Francis Omondi Ogolla, who died in a KDF helicopter crash, alongside 9 of his juniors last month.
President Ruto appointed Kahariri the new CDF on Thursday, as per the ‘Tonje rules’ which ‘silently indicate’ that the position of CDF should be held on a rotational basis, between top leaders of the Kenya Airforce, Kenya Navy and Kenya Army.
Kahariri is from the Kenya Navy, Ogolla was from the Kenya Airforce while his predecessor, the retired Francis Kibochi was from the Kenya Army.
Daudi Tonje is a former CDF, who served during former President, the late Daniel Arap Moi’s time in office.
In response to the flooding challenges the country faces, President Ruto said the government is mobilising the KDF to lead a multi-agency effort, aimed at mitigating the impact of floods as a result of climate change.
This comes as the number of people who have died as a result of floods across the country surpassed the 210 mark.
The ministry of interior and national administration in the Friday morning update said 210 have lost their lives in various parts of the country, with 125 people having been injured.
The number of missing persons currently stands at 90, while a total of 33,100 households have been displaced affecting about 165,500 people.