Francis Ogolla sworn in as Chief of Defense Forces

By Peter Ochieng

Lieutenant Francis Omondi Ogolla is officially the new sheriff in town.

Omondi was on Saturday morning sworn in as the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) at State House, Nairobi.

The brief ceremony was presided over by President William Ruto, who appointed him on Friday.

Ruto said he looked at Ogolla's qualifications, and was convinced beyond reasonable doubt that he merited the appointment.

Omondi was sworn in alongside his deputy Lt.General Jonah Maina Mwangi.

Francis Omondi Ogolla replaces General Robert Kariuki Kibochi whose tenure came to an end.

Until the promotion, General Ogolla was serving as the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF).

A host of Kenyans among them political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi lauded the Head of State for Ogolla's appointment.

"Congratulations Gen Ogolla for your appointment as Chief of Defence Forces. I interacted with him when we both served Uhuru Kenyatta. He is an elegant soldier. And a credibke Christian. President Ruto did not appoint a Kalenjin like any banana Republic would do. Good move, Sir," he tweeted on Friday.

General Kibochi exits after serving in the military for 44 years.