There have been 81 military coups in sub-Saharan Africa in just over half a century and at least 125 further failed attempts. But apart from six hours in 1982 when Hezekiah Ochuka, a private in the Kenya Air Force, tried and failed to overthrow the government, Kenya has been spared this scourge.

Its army has built a reputation for professionalism, especially in the period since Ochuka's attempt to drag it into politics claimed 145 lives. Over the years it has insulated Kenya from wars across its borders in Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia and Uganda, and led Africa in peacekeeping training.