Most Powerful KDF Soldier Kenya Ever Had

General (Rtd) Julius Karangi is considered the most powerful Chief of Defence Forces to ever head Kenya's military. 

Apart from his duties in the military, Karangi had influence in both President Uhuru Kenyatta's government as well as Mwai Kibaki's.

It is reported that he advised both presidents on key appointments even in the Cabinet. 

"General Karangi is probably the most extraordinary man I have ever met," commented Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo during Karangi's handover ceremony. 

He will be remembered as the army general who led Kenyan troops to war for the first time in Kenya's history in October 2011. 

After his retirement, he was appointed to Chair the National Social Security Fund board of trustees. 

Other KDF generals before Karangi. 

Major General (Rtd) Benard Penfold was the first KDF boss after independence. His most notable achievement is Africanising the military.

Major General (Rtd) Joseph Ndolo was the first African to head the military though he only served for two years. He was fired over suspicion that he took part in the planning of the failed coup attempt in 1971. 

General (Rtd) Jackson Mulinge became the first Kenyan to receive the Queen's Commission in 1961. He will be remembered for helping squash the 1982 coup attempt to overthrow then-President Daniel Moi. 

General (Rtd) Daudi Tonje introduced the most number of reforms in the military during his tenure. He led the inclusion of women in the military ranks, established the Defence Staff College, a medical scheme for soldiers and term limits for military heads. 

He also introduced the rotation of the top KDF position between the Army, Navy and Airforce. Tonje also successfully abolished a tradition where soldiers had to line up when receiving salaries and introduced bank transfers. 

It is reported that Moi tried extending Tonje's term but the soldier refused. 

General (Rtd) Joseph Kibwana oversaw the smooth transition of power from Moi to Kibaki in 2002.  He became the first Navy officer to head KDF in 2000. He is the current Kenya Ports Authority Chairman.

 

General (Rtd) Jeremiah Kianga steered KDF during the 2007/2008 post-election violence.  He also introduced a Bachelor's Degree in Military Science for all officers. He is the Chairman of the Kenya Railways Corporation. 

 

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