Political analyst and commentator Kipkalya Kones has weighed in on recent media reports suggesting that former Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Julius Karangi is seriously ill and struggling with mounting debts as his business ventures reportedly collapse.
In a detailed commentary on X, Kones did not hold back, describing Karangi as “the worst chief of Kenya’s military,” contrasting him with the late Gen Daudi Chepkonga Rerimoi Tonje, whom he lauded as the finest military leader in Kenya’s history.
Kones recounted historical military leadership transitions, highlighting instances where political interference, rather than merit, shaped Kenya’s military hierarchy.
Kones traced Karangi’s career from his days as Chief of Procurement at the Ministry of Defence to his eventual appointment as CDF, arguing that his trajectory was largely influenced by political and tribal considerations.
According to Kones, Karangi’s tenure intersected with critical electoral periods, including the 2013 elections, where he was allegedly involved in procurement oversight that favoured the then-presidential victory of Uhuru Kenyatta.
The commentator also suggested that Karangi’s post-retirement appointments to lucrative boards, including the Kenya Airports Authority, reflected his alignment with political and financial interests.
Kones claimed that Karangi’s fortunes have since deteriorated following a fallout with Uhuru Kenyatta after the 2018 handshake with Raila Odinga.
In a stark comparison, Kones cited the late Chief Justice Evan Gicheru, claiming both men faced ignominious declines despite previous power and influence.
“All that money has gone down the drain… it seems everyone who participates in electoral malpractice ends the same way. Money can’t help,” Kones remarked.
While Kones’ comments are highly critical and deeply personal, they underline ongoing public scrutiny of Kenya’s former top military and judicial officials, particularly regarding the interplay between political alignment, personal gain, and legacy.
Karangi’s current health status and financial challenges, if confirmed, add a human dimension to a figure once considered powerful and influential within Kenya’s security and political landscape.
Kones’ analysis has sparked debate on social media, raising questions about accountability, post-retirement trajectories of senior officials, and the enduring impact of political patronage in Kenya’s governance institutions.