Why public attack against KDF chief is baseless and pointless

Chief of Defence Forces Gen Charles Kahariri is facing criticism for warning the public against "Ruto Must Go" chant. [File, Standard]

Last Thursday, I had the good fortune of being among the many non-law enforcement actors who graced the inaugural public lecture by the intelligence chief, Mr Noordin Hajji. The speakers were Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Charles Kahariri, Attorney General Dorcas Oduor and LSK president Faith Odhiambo.

The following day, I noticed with dismay the sustained social media condemnation of the CDF for his remarks that the military, the institution he leads, is apolitical and their primary loyalty is to the State. The definition of the State encapsulates the government, which is the administrative agent through which the State operates. In underscoring this reality, the CDF pointed out that the military is always loyal to the government of the day, which is given to them by the people through a democratic process as spelt out in our constitution. As part of the larger system of checks and balances, the Constitution provides that national security organs are subordinate to civilian authority.