Gen Mwathethe arrives at DoD for farewell, handover

Outgoing Chief of the Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe has arrived at the Kenya Army Headquarters, Nairobi to bid the Kenya Army Personnel farewell.

General Mwathethe is expected to hand over to new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Robert Kiboi in a breathtaking event which is supposed to usher in the, after his appointment.

General Mwathethe on arrival was received by Commander Lieutenant General Walter Koipaton.The event also marks the end of the tenure of General Samson Mwathethe, who served for one term (4 years) plus an additional year that was extended by President Uhuru.

The KDF constitution allows one to serve for one term of 4 years only, but the President is allowed, at his own volition, to extend the term for a year or two.

The Number One Board, the organ that decides changes in the appointment and promotion of senior military and possible retirement or extension of contracts of the Kenya Army, Kenya Navy and Kenya Air Force commanders, proposes the next in command for the Commander in Chief to appoint.

Now, the day will start with a review of the guard for the two generals, the outgoing and the new one. This will mark the first and the last guard of honour for both generals.
Then, there will be a handover of the KDF flag.

General Mwathethe who comes from the Kenya Navy will exchange the KDF flag with General Kiboi.
Similarly, after the national anthem, there will be a 17- gun salute for the outgoing CDF to honour General Mwathethe for his selfless service to the country.

Further, there will be a signing of documents to confirm the official handing over of powers.
The table is already set, pen and papers on the table, ready for the signatures from the two most powerful men in the military.

General Robert Kiboi will be sworn in on Monday, 12, May 2020 at State House, Nairobi.
Rotational office
The ceremony will be attended by President Uhuru Kenyatta and other officers from the security department.

My special forces training inspired my businessThe CDF position is a rotational office in Kenya’s military. At least for the three generals who have taken the baton of leadership.
General Kiboi, who is the incoming CDF comes from the Kenya Army branch of the military.

General Mwathethe served from the Kenya Navy while Julius Karangi who was Mwathethe’s predecessor did his service under the Air Force.
The CDF position is the highest in the military ranks, the incumbent being the principal adviser, in matters defence, to the President of the Republic.

President Uhuru Kenyatta is the current Commander-In-Chief of the armed forces.
Also in attendance is Defence Cabinet Secretary Dr Monicah Juma among other high ranking government officials.