General Francis Omondi Ogolla has become the first Chief of Defence Forces in post-independence Kenya to die while in office, following a helicopter crash that also claimed the lives of nine other Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel.

President William Ruto made an official announcement of the deaths on Thursday evening, also announcing that the country will observe three days of mourning in honour of the fallen KDF personnel, before retreating back into the walls of State House.

While President Ruto remained silent on what happens next, the Defence Council could have already met and made its decision on who takes over from General Ogolla.

Under section 23 of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, the Chief of Defence Forces is appointed by the President, following recommendation by the Defence Council.

The Defence Council, as per Article 241 of the Constitution, is made up of the Defence CS, the Defence PS, the Chief of defence forces and three commanders of the defence forces.

Following major reforms led by former Chief of Staff of the Kenya Defence Forces Daudi Tonje, who served under former President Daniel Arap Moi, the Chief of Defence Forces rotates between the Army, Navy and Air Force.

But this is the first time that a Chief of Defence Forces has died in office, more so less than one year before assuming office.

This unique situation leaves the door open for two options – the Defence Council could pick a successor from the Air Force to ensure that it completes the term General Ogolla was to serve, or continue with the power rotation under the Tonje rules which would mean it is the Navy’s turn.

General Ogolla was set to retire in 2025.