On Monday, the expected military changes did take over even though Chief of Defense Forces General Samson Mwathethe had his term extended by one year by President Uhuru Kenyatta contrary to expectations of many.
But before the president, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of armed forces announces changes in the military, he must consult with the powerful National Defense Council members, who are responsible for promotions, appointments and retiring of military officers.
The constitution of Kenya, article 241 (5,67), recognises the powerful NDC which is responsible for the overall policy, control, and supervision of the Kenya Defence Forces; and performs any other functions prescribed by national, It is also responsible for legislation.
The minister of defence, Principal Secretary of the Defense ministry, Chief of Defense Forces and all three service commanders are the people constituting the NDC.
Also, a secretary is chosen from among the KDF or members of the public, who is responsible for taking minutes. However, he or she doesn't take part in decision making.
Currently, Defence CS Raychelle Omamo, Gen Mwathethe, Defence PS Torome Saitoti and the three Service Commanders, Lt Gen Walter Raria (Kenya Army), Maj Gen Francis Ogolla (Kenya Air Force) and Maj Gen Levi Mghalu of the Kenya Navy sit in the council.
Every week, the council sits at Department of Defense where key military decisions are made. On Monday, the team was responsible for extension of General Samson Mwathethe's term for one year.
Effectively, the decision ended the career of his presumed successors Lt General Robert Kibochi and Lt General Leonard Ngondi, who must retire at 60 this year.
While making key decisions, the NDC is guided by Tonje Rules, which were laid down by former Chief of Defense Forces General Daudi Tonje, who retired in 2000.
He was succeeded by General Joseph Kibwana.
According to the roles, the CDF retires after attaining 64 years or having served four years as Chief of Defense Forces, whichever comes first. Also, all service commanders retire upon reaching 60 if at all they are not promoted to the next rank.
The KDF Act of 2012 also allows the president, in consultations with the NDC, to extend the term of CDF for one year in the event of war or political uncertainties in the country.
NDC may have heavily relied on the act when extending Mwathethe's term on Monday.