President William Ruto has made major changes in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF),promoting and appointing new leaders in the Army, Air Force and Defence University to boost millitary leadership.
In statement released by the Ministry of Defence on Friday, the move followed a recommendation by the Defence Council, led by Defence Cabinet Secretary Roselinda Soipan Tuya, as part of efforts to strengthen the millitary’s leadership structure.
One of the standout changes saw Major General David Kipkemboi Ketter promoted to lieutenant General and appointed as the new Army Commander.
Major General David Kipkemboi Ketter takes over from Lieutenant General David Kimaiyo Chemwaina Tarus, who has been redeployed to the National Defence University – Kenya (NDU-K) as Vice Chancellor. Until his promotion, Lieutenant General Ketter was the Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics.
In the Kenya Air Force, Major General Benard Waliaula, has been appointed as the new Commander. He replaces Maj. Gen . Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed, who has retired after 42 years of service. Waliaula was previously the Director of Defence National Security Industries.
Other key promotions include Brigadier Joel Muriungi M’arimi, now Major General and appointed Commandant of the Kenya Military Academy, while Brigadier Joyce Chelang’at Sitienei, who was previously the Director of the International Peace Support Centre, has also been promoted to Major General and named Deputy Vice Chancellor, Centre for Strategic and Security Studies at NDU-K.
The President Ruto’s promotions, posting and appointment are as follows:
KENYA ARMY
- Brigadier Faustino Mancha Lobaly – promoted to Major General and appointed Director, National Defence Security Industries.
- Brigadier Charles Lenjo Mwazighe – promoted to Major General and appointed Director, International Peace Support Centre.
- Brigadier Mohamed Isak Iddi – promoted to Major General and appointed Director, Directorate of Oversight, Compliance and Accountability (DOCAA).
- Brigadier Edward Rugendo – promoted to Major General and appointed Director of Personnel and Logistics.
- Brigadier Richard Wambua Mwanzia – promoted to Major General and appointed Senior Directing Staff, Army, at National Defence College.
- Colonel Said Mohamed Mwacharo – promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Infrastructure.
- Colonel Meshack Sinkira Kishoyian – promoted to Brigadier and appointed Commander, 6 Brigade.
KENYA AIR FORCE
- Colonel Herbert Mabele Wafula – promoted to Brigadier and appointed Base Commander, Moi Airbase.
- Colonel Ismail Guhad Noor – promoted to Brigadier and appointed Deputy Managing Director at Kenya Ordnance Factories Limited and Food Processing Factory.
- Colonel Victor Waithaka Kang’ethe – promoted to Brigadier and appointed Director, National Air Support Department (NASD).
- Colonel Rodah Mkavita Mwasigwa – promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Compensation and Welfare at Defence Headquarters.
KENYA NAVY
- Brigadier Timothy Stelu Lekolool – promoted to Major General and appointed Senior Directing Staff, National Defence College.
- Colonel Ronald Mesa Makori – promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Strategic Plans and Policy.
- Colonel Peter Musili Muthungu – promoted to Brigadier and appointed Head of Production, Kenya Shipyard Limited.
- Lieutenant Colonel Wilfrida Atieno Omolo – promoted to Colonel and appointed Commander, Kenya Navy Logistics.
- Lieutenant Colonel Safari Katana Kalume – promoted to Colonel and appointed Senior Directing Staff, Navy Joint Warfare Centre.
