On Wednesday this week, General Samson Mwathethe's term as Chief of Defense Forces will formally expire and would exit military unless president Uhuru Kenyatta extends his term for another one year according to KDF Act.
General Mwathethe took over in 2015 from Julius Karangi, the man who oversaw transition in Kenya's government after the exit of President Mwai Kibaki in 2013.
Throughout his service, Mwathethe has served in among others, as Deputy Chief of Defense Forces, Naval Commander and Assistant Chief of Defense Forces.
And as he exits, his successor must the the senior most military officer from Kenya Army in line with Tonje Rules, introduced by former Chief of Defense Forces General Daudi Tonje.
The military chief position, states the rules, is held in a rotational basis amongst the three disciplines of military; Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force and Kenya Navy in one term of four years with an extension of another one year (depending on the president's decision).
Should Uhuru fail to extend Mwathethe's term for one year, Deputy Chief of Defense Forces Lieutenant General Robert Kibochi will automatically assume the office of the military chief.
Last year, President Uhuru Kenyatta promoted Kibochi from Army Commander to Deputy Chief of Defense Forces, replacing Lt General Kasaon who had taken early retirement due to health related issues'.
Lt General Kibochi handed over to Lt General Walter Raria, who had served as Deputy Army Commander before his promotion to Lieutenant General by the president.
Kibochi joined military in 1979 as a cadet and graduated to Second Lieutenant in 1980. He has risen ranked and served in several capacities within the military.
Before becoming deputy, he served as Army Commander. He was Assistant Chief of Defense Forces heading the logistics when serving in the rank of Major General.
Once Kibochi serves his full term and exits military in 2023 (if all factors remain constant), he will be replaced by the highest ranked Air Force officer by then.
He is a holder of Masters Degree in International Relations and has served in several missions before. Lt. Gen Kibochi also graduated from the lucrative National Defense College.
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