Ruto calls for responsible military discourse, reaffirms KDF's role in national stability
The military has been hitting headlines lately, following the uproar over Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Kahariri's warning on the persistent "Ruto must go" chants and recently the Ministry of Defence's report on the cause of the late General Francis Ogolla's helicopter crash nearly a year ago.
In a firm yet measured appeal, President William Ruto has urged citizens, politicians and journalists to exercise caution when discussing military matters in public discourse, emphasising the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF)'s key role as the anchors of the country and region's peace and stability.
"I therefore want to urge all Kenyans, leaders, politicians, journalists alike that our military men and women are the anchor for our stability. The insurance for our development and therefore we must be sensitive and keep off matters military in random talk," the President said, adding that he and his administration will defend by all means possible the military as they guarantee the country's stability and development.
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The military has been hitting headlines lately, following the uproar over Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Kahariri's warning on the persistent "Ruto must go" chants and recently the Ministry of Defence's report on the cause of the late General Francis Ogolla's helicopter crash nearly a year ago.
While the Commander in Chief did not make direct reference to the report, he took note of those that have perished in the line of duty in the past.
"Today, we also remember with reverence our gallant soldiers who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. Their courage calls us to honour their sacrifice, summon us to unity, and their legacy urges us to serve," President Ruto said while presiding over the commissioning parade of graduates from two intakes.
At the same time, Ruto reiterated that security is a shared responsibility, where every citizen is a stakeholder.
"It should be clear to all of us that no amount of force, however formidable, can secure a nation on its own. I urge all Kenyans to embrace the enduring virtues of the Kenya Defence Forces, unity of purpose, discipline in action and unwavering commitment to duty so that together we may forge a nation that is not only secure but also just and prosperous," he said.
The cadets include the first cohort of general service officers who will, later this year, graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Defence and Security Studies from the National Defence University, a course that was previously undertaken in collaboration with the Kenyatta University.
The graduates from the two intakes will join the three services and various formations and units within the defence forces, where they will take up their respective leadership roles.
Ruto reminded the graduates of the evolving nature of the security landscape shaped by unconventional threats, digital warfare and transnational challenges that calls for continual modernization of the soldiers, their training and adopting innovation on KDF's doctrine.
Alongside the Kenyan officers were officer cadets from Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Uganda.
“Today, you join the ranks at a critical juncture, an era that demands not only physical readiness but also intellectual agility and strategic foresight. Remain faithful to your oath, serve with courage and valour, lead with integrity and uphold the proud traditions of the defence forces," he urged the graduates.
Before the commissioning parade, the President commissioned the Lanet Regional Level IV hospital and the Ulinzi Prime Health Services Fund that will enable soldiers and their families access medical care through existing insurance schemes including the Social Health Insurance Fund and the Emergency Chronic and Critical Illness Fund under the Social Health Authority.
General Kahariri echoed Ruto’s recognition of the critical state of security in the country and the region.
"I take note that they join the military at a time when the security environment globally, regionally as well as internally is becoming increasingly complex and dynamic, shaped by unseen adversaries, unconventional tactics and proliferation of technologies in various fields, which when inappropriately applied impact on national security," he said.
General Kahariri further assured KDF's commitment in upholding their constitutional mandate and to contribute to the security and prosperity of the nation and beyond.
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