President William Ruto made bold steps by reconstituting the National Security Council, an important body that makes critical decisions for the country.
In the latest changes, Ruto replaced all officials who served under former President Uhuru Kenyatta in the last 10 years. In the changes, Ruto replaced the intelligence service boss, Chief of Defence Forces, Attorney General and the National Police Service boss.
Following Article 240(2) stipulations of the Kenyan Constitution, the new National Security Council will comprise the Head of State, his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua and Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
Foreign Affairs CS Alfred Mutua and his Interior counterpart Kithure Kindiki will also sit in the council. Attorney General Justin Muturi, who advises Ruto, will also feature in the new line-up.
Replacements
In reconstituting the National Security Council, Ruto replaced key individuals who served under Uhuru. Ruto picked Francis Ogolla to replace former Chief of Defence Forces, Robert Kibochi.
Additionally, the Head of State replaced Major-General (Rtd) Philip Kameru, who had been at the helm of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) since 2014. In his place, Ruto nominated Noordin Haji on Tuesday, May 16, pending approval by Parliament.
Another new entrant to the National Security Council is the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, appointed by Ruto after the 2022 General Election to succeed Hillary Mutyambai.
Ruto retained former Energy Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma to bolster the National Security Council as National Security Advisor.
According to Article 240(2) of the Kenyan Constitution, the newly reconstituted National Security Council will integrate the domestic, foreign and military policies relating to national security to enable the national security organs to cooperate and function effectively.
The Constitution further prescribes that the council will assess and appraise the objectives, commitments and risks to the country regarding actual and potential national security capabilities.
Its operations will, however, be guided by the parliament, where legislators would approve some of their security decisions, including the deployment of forces.
"Advise the President on the declaration of a state of emergency," the Article stipulates.
The National Security Advisory Council made headlines during the 2022 General Election after affidavits filed by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) revealed that some of its members visited Bomas of Kenya before the announcement of the Presidential Election.
In their defence, the council wanted to be briefed on the election status to facilitate the transition.
On Saturday, April 29, Ruto revealed that he appointed Ogolla to replace Kibochi due to his professional background in the military. The appointment came despite allegations that Ogolla was among the security council members who visited Bomas during vote tallying.
"In considering your appointment - I reviewed your background, journey in the military and where you have come from, and I am satisfied that you merit the office.
"You have my confidence that of the Republic of Kenya to discharge your mandate as the Chief of Defence Forces," Ruto assured General Ogolla.
