President William Ruto has made major changes in the leadership of Kenya’s military, affecting top ranks within the Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force, and Kenya Navy.
The Ministry of Defence officially announced the changes on Friday, June 27, revealing a number of promotions, redeployments, and new appointments across the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
One of the key changes saw Major General David Kipkemboi Ketter promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed as the new Commander of the Kenya Army.
He replaces Lieutenant General David Kimaiyo Chemwaina Tarus, who has now been posted to the National Defence University – Kenya (NDU-K), where he will serve as Vice Chancellor.
Prior to this new assignment, Ketter was serving as the Assistant Chief of Defence Forces, responsible for Personnel and Logistics.
In a similar move, President Ruto appointed Major General Benard Waliaula as the new Commander of the Kenya Air Force.
He takes over from Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed, who has retired after a long and distinguished military career spanning 42 years. Before his appointment, Waliaula served as the Director of Defence National Security Industries.
The President also promoted Brigadier Joel Muriungi M’arimi to the rank of Major General and appointed him as the Commandant of the Kenya Military Academy.
Muriungi had previously held the same post as Commandant while also serving as the Commander of the Armoured Brigade.
In another significant development, Brigadier Joyce Chelang’at Sitienei was elevated to Major General and named Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of the Centre for Strategic and Security Studies at the National Defence University – Kenya.
Until this promotion, she served as the Director of the International Peace Support Centre.
Acting on the advice of the Defence Council chaired by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, President Ruto approved a wide range of new appointments, transfers, and promotions across the KDF’s Army, Air Force, and Navy divisions.
Key Changes in the Kenya Army
- Brigadier Faustino Mancha Lobaly was promoted to Major General and appointed Director of the National Defence Security Industries.
- Brigadier Charles Lenjo Mwazighe was promoted to Major General and named Director of the International Peace Support Centre.
- Brigadier Mohamed Isak Iddi became Major General and was appointed Director at the Directorate of Oversight, Compliance, and Accountability (DOCA).
- Brigadier Edward Rugendo was elevated to Major General and placed in charge as Director of Personnel and Logistics.
- Brigadier Richard Wambua Mwanzia was promoted to Major General and appointed Senior Directing Staff for the Army at the National Defence College.
- Colonel Said Mohamed Mwacharo was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Infrastructure.
- Colonel Meshack Sinkira Kishoyian rose to the rank of Brigadier and was assigned the role of Commander of the 6 Brigade.
Promotions in the Kenya Air Force
- Colonel Victor Waithaka Kang’ethe was promoted to Brigadier and named Director of the National Air Support Department (NASD).
- Colonel Rodah Mkavita Mwasigwa was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Compensation and Welfare at Defence Headquarters.
Changes in the Kenya Navy
- Brigadier Timothy Stelu Lekolool was promoted to Major General and assigned to the National Defence College as Senior Directing Staff.
- Colonel Ronald Mesa Makori moved up to Brigadier and was appointed Chief of Strategic Plans and Policy.
- Colonel Peter Musili Muthungu was promoted to Brigadier and made Head of Production at Kenya Shipyard Limited.
- Lieutenant Colonel Wilfrida Atieno Omolo was promoted to Colonel and made Commander of Kenya Navy Logistics.
- Lieutenant Colonel Safari Katana Kalume also rose to the rank of Colonel and was appointed Senior Directing Staff at the Navy’s Joint Warfare Centre.
These changes reflect a comprehensive overhaul of the military’s top leadership as President Ruto aims to strengthen the country’s defence systems and streamline operations within the Kenya Defence Forces.
The appointments are expected to bring in fresh energy, strategic insight, and strong leadership across various military departments.
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