The anticipated promotion of Major General Fatuma Ahmed as Air Force Commander, the first female cop to be promoted to the rank, may take a little longer due to the decision by President Uhuru Kenyatta to extend General Samson Mwathethe's term, Monday.
Uhuru's minor changes on Monday in KDF affected the succession of General Mwathethe, also effectively delaying Fatuma Ahmed's expected elevation as first ever Service Commander in Kenyan military
"H. E Uhuru Kenyatta, the President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of armed forces, in consultations with National Defense Council, has extended the term of Chief of Defense Forces General Mwathethe for one year effective 6th May," read a memo by Ministry of Defense.
Retaining of Mwathethe, whose term had expired in April, successfully ended military careers of Lt General Robert Kibochi, the Vice Chief of Defense Forces and Lt General Leonard Ngondi, who acts as Commander AU-UN Humid mission in Darfur. The two have turned 60 and their exit is inevitable.
According to Tonje Rules, which have been used as military doctrines for two decades, a Lt General exits military at the age of 60 if he or she's not promoted to the next rank. Monday's promotions also means that Kenya Air Force, will have to wait until next year when Mwathethe exits, to have a Vice Chief of Defense Forces.
Had Mwathethe retired, Lt General Robert Kibochi would have either taken over from him, or retired from military to create space for Major General Francis Ogolla, the Air Force Commander, to take over as Vice Chief of Defense Forces.
But now, Uhuru has to appoint a Kenya Army officer to Vice Chief of Defense Forces when Lt General Robert Kibochi retires this year ahead of Mwathethe's anticipated exit next year.
This now means Fatuma Ahmed, who is set to take over from Ogolla, will have to wait for one more year to make another history. Last year, President Uhuru Kenyatta promoted her to Major General position, making her the first woman to occupy the post.
"I am counting on you to be a positive role model to women in this country. Prove to them that there are no limits," a proud Uhuru said.