Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Omondi Ogolla passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2024. He was involved in a helicopter crash at the Kaben-Cheptulel border between Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties.

At the time of death, General Ogolla was the highest ranking military man in the country, a role he assumed on April 23, 2023 - succeeding retired General Robert Kibochi.

Following Ogolla's demise, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is expected to produce a successor in the coming days. The servicemen are expected to ensure the changeover in line with the Tonje Rules.

General Daudi Rerimoi arap Chepkonga Tonje, described by many as a visionary military leader who revolutionised the force in Kenya, was the Chief of General Staff (now CDF) between 1996 and 2001. 

The Tonje rules stipulate that the CDF is rotated between the three arms of the KDF - meaning if the incumbent is a Air Force, the successor will come from the Navy - then the Army, and the cycle continues.

General Ogolla was set to retire in December 2024, unless President William Ruto opted to extend his term by an additional year.

To serve as CDF, one must have been a lieutenant general which makes them a three-star general. CDF makes one an automatic 4-star general.

The Vice CDF is normally a lieutenant general. The commander of the Kenya Army is a 3-star general, while his compatriots at the Air Force and Navy are 2-star generals. For the latter two to serve as VCDF, they need to be promoted to the ranks of lieutenant general.

CDF Ogolla's Succession

On March 9, 2024, a month before CDF Ogolla's tragic demise, President Ruto reshuffled leadership within the force on recommendation of the KDF.

Major General Charles Muriu Kahariri was appointed as VCDF, replacing Lieutenant General Jonah Maina Mwangi who exited the service after 42 years.

Major General David Kimaiyo Tarus was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general and appointed commander of the Kenya Army, replacing Lieutenant General Peter Mbogo Njiru.

President Ruto promoted Navy Commander Major General Jimson Longiro Mutai to the rank of lieutenant general and appointed him Vice-Chancellor of the National Defence University. He replaced Lieutenant General Albert Kendagor who was appointed to head Kenya's High commission in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Mutai has been touted by many as a likely replacement for CDF Ogolla. General Kendagor was the most likely successor prior to his appointment to Tel Aviv.

Going by the Tonje Rules, General John Mugaravai Omenda and General Tarus could be the most likely deputies to VCDF General Kahariri. According to reports, appointment of the two to CDF could be fast tracked by appointment as VDF then eventually CDF.

However, General Ogolla's demise while in office with two thirds of a year to go, the Kenya Air Force is likely to retain the position of CDF till end of the term. The appointee could serve on interim capacity to the end of Ogolla's expected term.

Following Ogolla's death yesterday, President Ruto convened an Emergency National Security Council meeting at State House Nairobi comprising comprising DP Rigathi Gachagua, Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Interior CS Kindiki Kithure, Chief Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Attorney General Justin Muturi, Police IG Japhet Koome, and National Intelligence Service Director-General Noordin Haji at State House Nairobi.

Ogolla's replacement is thought to have been a topic of discussion in the high stakes meeting.