How Strict Tonje Rules Will Deny 2 Top Kenya Army Generals a Chance to Succeed KDF Boss Kahariri

National Defence University-Kenya Vice Chancellor Lt Gen David Tarus. PHOTO | FACEBOOK

The unwritten but widely respected Tonje Rules could significantly shape the race to succeed Charles Muriu Kahariri when his expected four-year term ends in 2028. The guidelines, introduced by retired General Daudi Tonje, are credited with ensuring orderly military succession by rotating the office of Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) among the Kenya Army, Kenya Navy and Kenya Air Force.

If the rotation principle is maintained, the next CDF after Kahariri—who comes from the Kenya Navy—would ordinarily be expected to come from the Kenya Army. However, the Tonje Rules also emphasize mandatory retirement ages and fixed terms, meaning not every senior Army commander will still be eligible when the position falls vacant.

General Charles Muriu Kahariri in a past function. PHOTO | FACEBOOK

That has fueled speculation that two influential Kenya Army lieutenant generals could find themselves ruled out if they reach the mandatory retirement age before Kahariri leaves office. Under the long-standing succession framework, lieutenant generals retire before they can remain in contention indefinitely unless elevated to the rank of General as CDF.

The Tonje Rules are not written into the Constitution, but successive presidents have largely observed them because they promote predictability, professionalism and balance among the three military services. They also discourage prolonged competition for the military’s top office by providing clear succession timelines.

Currently, there are three Kenya Army officers in contention to succeed General Kahariri as CDF.

Kenya Army commander Lt Gen David Keter is one of them. Then there is National Defence College Commandant Lt Gen Juma Shee Mwinyikayi and National Defence University-Kenya Vice Chancellor Lt Gen David Tarus.

Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Muriu Kahariri. PHOTO | FACEBOOK

Going by the Tonje script, only one of them has a realistic chance of rising to the rank of a General.

As 2028 approaches, the combination of service rotation, retirement age and the President’s constitutional appointment powers is expected to make the succession race one of the most closely watched developments within the Kenya Defence Forces. While the President retains the final say, any departure from the established Tonje tradition would likely attract significant public and military interest.

https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/realtime/2023-05-21-origin-of-tonje-rules-how-army-appointments-are-done

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