-
Other members are Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru and the commanders representing the Army, Air Force, and Navy.
-
The council also has a secretary who is a public officer or a member of the military appointed by the council.
Image: PCS
As the sombre aftermath of the Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla's burial settles, attention now turns to the succession process within the military ranks.
As a standard protocol, the Defence Council, also known as Board One, is set to convene and deliberate on the next steps.
This council, consisting of six members, including Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale as the chairperson, holds the responsibility of recommending suitable candidates for presidential appointment.
Other members are Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru and the commanders representing the Army, Air Force, and Navy.
The council also has a secretary who is a public officer or a member of the military appointed by the council.
The role of the secretary is to communicate the decisions of the Council.
Sources indicate that Duale is poised to call for a meeting either this week or next week to initiate discussions on the succession plan, marking a critical moment in ensuring stability and continuity within the defence establishment.
Ogolla who died alongside nine other senior military officers was remaining with a few months in office before proceeding on retirement.
President William Ruto, however, had the latitude to extend his term for one year depending on some factors with the recommendation of the National Defence Council.
As per the KDF Act, 2012, a General who is a four-star is supposed to retire at 62, a Lieutenant-General (a three-star) at 61, a Major-General (two-star) at 59 and a Brigadier at 57 years.
The CDF, VCDF and Service Commanders, the Act states, shall serve for a single term of four years or upon attainment of the mandatory retirement age or whichever comes first.
The guiding principle to selecting a new CDF has been which states that the position should be held on a rotational basis among the three services.
Other factors to consider are seniority, military and formal civil education and military or security experience.
The Act further states that where a vacancy occurs in any of the offices, the president shall appoint a replacement in accordance with Section 23.
This section provides for the appointment process.
The officer holder must also have a relevant degree from a university or institution recognized in Kenya as may be approved by the Defence Council.
Ogolla was from the Air Force while his successor Robert Kibochi was Army meaning the next in line should be from the Navy.
This now means that should the Council go by this; the choice will be between Kahariri and Jimson Mutai, the current Vice Chancellor of National Defence University.
Both from the Navy, are three-star generals (Lt Gen) giving them an upper hand to be handed the role.
Once appointed, he will be appointed as a General.
Two other senior commanders of the same rank as Lieutenant General are David Kimaiyo Tarus who is the Army commander and Juma Shee Mwinyikai, the commandant of National Defence College (NDC).
Both were promoted from the ranks of Major General in the changes made by the president last month.
Until his latest promotion and appointment, Mutai has been the Navy commander.