Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - President William Ruto has issued a stern warning to politicians, journalists, and the general public to refrain from interfering with matters concerning the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), amid growing scrutiny over the state of the military’s operations and assets.
Speaking on Wednesday, April 16th, during the
Cadets Commissioning Parade at the Kenya Military Academy in Lanet, Nakuru
County, Ruto appeared to respond to recent criticism targeting the KDF and its
leadership.
His remarks follow a wave of public debate sparked by media
reports alleging that most of the military’s aircrafts are outdated or
non-operational, and criticism of Chief of Defence Forces General Charles
Kahariri’s recent constitutional remarks.
“I want to urge all Kenyans, leaders, politicians, and
journalists alike, that our military men and women are the anchor of our
stability.”
“They are the insurance of our development. Therefore, we
must be sensitive and keep off matters military in random talk,” Ruto said.
Ruto emphasized that his administration will defend the
military from public ridicule and will not allow it to be drawn into political
discourse.
“As Commander-in-Chief, I will defend, by all means
possible, our military, as they guarantee our stability and development,” he
added.
On March 27th, General Kahariri sparked a
backlash after asserting that any efforts to change Government must adhere
strictly to constitutional procedures, warning that unconstitutional means could destabilize the nation.
Speaking at the
National Intelligence and Research University in Nairobi during a public
lecture, Kahariri said:
"We cannot
exercise anarchy. Even as people exercise their rights, it should be within
their bounds to ensure we do not tear apart the country,"
"When you
decide that you are tired of the government you elected and start chanting
'Must Go,' it must be done according to the Constitution," he warned.
Additionally, a recent investigative report by The
Standard claimed that of the 130 aircraft acquired by the KDF, only 27 are
operational.
The report cited widespread maintenance issues and suggested
an imbalance in the allocation of air assets, with a significant portion
reserved for VVIP use rather than core security functions.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
0 Comments