In the wake of Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla's tragic passing, his deputy, Lt Gen Charles Muriu Kahariri, has assumed the role of acting CDF until a substantive appointment is made, according to officials.

The helicopter crash that claimed the life of CDF Gen Francis Ogolla occurred on Thursday, April 18, in the Sindar area of Kaben location, Tot division, in Elgeyo Marakwet.

Officials assured that there would be no vacuum in the military hierarchy, with Gen Kahariri immediately stepping in as acting CDF following the tragedy.

This interim arrangement will persist until a new CDF is appointed in accordance with the law, with the Defence Council convening to deliberate on the matter and advise the president on the appointment.

"There is no vacuum. There is a VCDF who will act until a new and substantive CDF is appointed," affirmed an official familiar with the situation.

Retired Gen Daudi Tonje echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that in such circumstances, the Vice Chief of Defence Forces assumes the interim leadership role until the appointment of a new CDF by the president.

The Kenya Defence Forces Act stipulates that a CDF, along with their deputy and service commanders, serve a single term of four years or retire upon reaching the mandatory retirement age.

However, provisions exist for the President, upon recommendation by the National Defence Council, to extend the CDF's term for up to one year during times of war or emergencies such as political uncertainty.

Additionally, the retirement ages for military ranks are specified in the law, with provisions for amendments to the maximum retirement age as recommended by the Defence Council.

Under the rules established by retired Chief of General Staff Gen Daudi Tonje, known as the Tonje Rules, the position of CDF is rotated among the three services: the Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force, and Kenya Navy.