Kenya: The appointment of General Samson Mwathethe as Chief of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has been welcomed by Coast leaders who say it was long overdue.
General Mwathete is the second Coastal native and navy man to ascend to the highest rank in the military after retired General Joseph Raymond Kibwana.
When the Standard on Sunday visited his Mtwapa home in Kilifi County, we found impenetrable gates locked and there was no sign of celebration but the villagers were excited by the promotion of their ‘son’.
Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi said General Mwathethe deserved the position because he was the most qualified officer in the Kenya Defence Forces. “His appointment as the Chief of Kenya Defence Forces has made us proud. He is the most qualified KDF officer because of the diligent service he has rendered since his recruitment as a cadet,” said Mr Kingi.
He described Mwathethe as a very humble man.
“His appointment did not surprise us because we knew his experience and qualification made him the automatic choice to the position,” he said.
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho said General Mwathethe deserved the position not because he is from Coast but because he was highly qualified.
“He is a career soldier who climbed the ladder to where he is now because of his hard work, discipline and focus,” said Mr Joho. Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar also welcomed Mwathethe’s elevation but cautioned him against being lured into politics.
“As a career soldier, I hope he will serve every Kenyan without discrimination and also hope he will restore the glory of KDF soldiers,” said Mr Omar.
He added that Kenyans expect Mwathethe to audit the country’s engagement in Somalia and advise on the best way forward.
“Despite being from Coast, he should not show any favouritism and we expect him to show professionalism in his work,” said the Mombasa Senator.
Mwathethe’s nephew Charo Mranja said the family was excited with the elevation and asked him to address insecurity in the country especially the threat posed by Al-Shababab and the Mombasa Republican Council.
“My uncle must involve all the stakeholders and make this country safe and ensure Kenyans live in peace,” Mr Charo said.
He warned MRC and Al-Shabaab that they would face the full force of the law following Mwathethe’s appointment. “We have confidence he will address the insecurity posed by the aggressors,” he said.
Mwathethe’s brother, Joshua Baya said the appointment was due to his exemplary work, adding that it is important for the youth in the Coast region to learn that Kenya belongs to all of us.
Inspire youths
“His appointment is an inspiration to the coastal youth who should take education seriously the way my brother did. It has made him rise to that level,” he said. Another relative, Boniface Charo thanked President Uhuru Kenyatta for the appointment.
“We have been waiting for his appointment since last year,” he said.
Margaret John Nyoka also thanked the President for the appointment, which has dispelled rumours that Mwathethe was not going to get the position.
James Sulieman, a retired teacher, and Patrick Birya praised Uhuru for the appointment. Mr Birya said the appointment was due to Mwathethe’s professional work in the military.
“Mr Mwathethe’s top rank is due to his professional discipline and, he was heading to the top in the military without any doubt,” Birya said.
He said Kenyans should relax as the military would be headed by one of the most qualified person in Kenyans. Birya said the Mijikenda will hold a welcome party for General Mwathethe.
