Despite his term coming to a low note culmination last week, Chief of Defense Forces General Samson Mwathethe may after all have his term extended by one more year, a military source has claimed.
Last week, there were reports that National Defense Council, the top most military decision making organ, had met to deliberate on exit of General Mwathethe, the second Naval officer to serve as CDF after General Joseph Kibwana.
"On Wednesday, there was word that the National Defence Council had held a meeting to deliberate on the promotions of various commanders, and who was likely to succeed Gen Mwathethe," local media reported.
General Mwathethe took over from Air Force man General Julius Karangi in April 2015 and his four years term ended last Wednesday. According to Tonje Rules, designed by former Chief of Defense Forces General Daudi Tonje, a military General retires after serving four years term in officer or when he hits 64, whichever comes first.
A military source however, claims that President Uhuru Kenyatta may extend the term of Mwathethe, who was privileged to serve as Vice Chief of Defense Forces and Navy Commander. According to the source, no preparations associated with exit of the General have been out in place.
“If he was leaving, he would already have started visiting service command stations to bid them farewell. We would be seeing activities here and there but as of now, it is still quiet. We are just waiting,” a source said.
KDF Act gives President Uhuru Kenyatta powers to extend the term of military General by one year. But for that to be effected, the country must be in war or at least there should be political uncertainty. For now, non of the two are applicable.
Among those tipped to replace General Samson Mwathethe include his deputy Lt General Robert Kibochi, Army Commander Lt General Walter Raria and AU-UN Humid Commander Lt General Leonard Ngondi.
But Lt General Kibochi stands a good chance due to his current position in pecking order and due to the fact that he's amongst the most educated officers. According to Tonje Rules, CDF position is rotated among the three wings of KDF.
With Karangi having been an Air Force officer and Mwathethe a Navy man, the incoming CDF will come from Army. The three favourites come from Army.
Should there be any changes, then they are likely to come after next week given that President Uhuru Kenyatta is leaving the country for China this Thursday. Uhuru is the Commander-in-Chief of armed forces.