As public scrutiny grows over the state of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) operations and reports of outdated and broken equipment, President William Ruto has broken his silence, warning the public to steer clear of military affairs.
Speaking in Nakuru when he presided over the Cadets Commissioning Parade at the Kenya Military Academy in Lanet, Ruto indirectly appeared to be targeting recent reports questioning KDF Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri over his remarks on the constitutionality of the presidency.
Additionally, the President appeared to respond to recent media reports highlighting concerns over the condition of military choppers and aircraft.
The Head of State maintained that he would not allow the military to be subjected to public ridicule and criticism.
Further, he stated that he would protect the military, given the mandate they are entrusted with in ensuring the safety of the boundaries of Kenya.
''I want to urge all Kenyans, leaders, politicians, and journalists alike that our military men and women are the anchor for our stability. They are the insurance of our development, and therefore, we must be sensitive and keep off matters military in random talk,'' Ruto stated.
''My administration and I, as the Commander in Chief, will defend, by all means possible, our military as they guarantee our stability and development,'' he added.
On March 27, General Kahariri drew public backlash after stating that any attempts to transfer power must follow constitutional means, warning that failure to do so could plunge the country into chaos.
He made the remarks while speaking at the National Intelligence and Research University in Nairobi during a public lecture by National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji.
"We cannot exercise anarchy, and even as people exercise their rights, it should be within their bounds, within their rights, such that we cannot allow ourselves to exercise our rights to the extent of tearing apart the country," Kahariri stated.
"We, as the military, defend the Constitution and the government of the day, duly elected by the people. So when you decide that you are tired of the government you elected and then you start chanting 'Must Go', 'Must Go', that 'Must Go' must be done according to the Constitution," Kahariri warned.
On Wednesday, the Standard newspaper, in its publication, revealed that of over 130 aircraft acquired by the KDF over the years, only 27 remain operational, adding that the rest have succumbed to wreckages, maintenance issues, or obsolescence.
''An audit of these aircraft reveals ageing machines plagued by frequent breakdowns, with a concerning misallocation of resources of the 19 aircraft available to the KAF, only seven are dedicated to security operations, while 12 are reserved for VVIPs, raising questions about priorities,'' the story read in part.
