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President William Ruto has made significant changes in Kenya’s military leadership across the Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force, and Kenya Navy. The changes, announced by the Ministry of Defence on Friday, June 27, include promotions and new appointments meant to strengthen the country’s security operations and defence institutions.
One of the most notable appointments is that of Major General David Kipkemboi Ketter, who has been promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed as the Commander of the Kenya Army. He replaces Lieutenant General David Kimaiyo Chemwaina Tarus, who has been reassigned to serve as Vice Chancellor of the National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K). Before his new role, Ketter was the Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics.
In the Kenya Air Force, Major General Benard Waliaula was appointed as the new Commander, taking over from Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed, who retired after 42 years of service. Waliaula previously served as Director of Defence National Security Industries.
Another major appointment is Brigadier Joel Muriungi M’arimi, who was promoted to Major General and appointed as Commandant of the Kenya Military Academy. Prior to this, he was the Commander of the Armoured Brigade and also served as the Commandant at the Kenya Military Academy.
Brigadier Joyce Chelang’at Sitienei was promoted to Major General and named the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Centre for Strategic and Security Studies at NDU-K. She was previously the Director of the International Peace Support Centre.
These changes follow the advice of the Defence Council, chaired by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, and include numerous promotions and reassignments across all branches of the military.
In the Kenya Army:
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Brigadier Faustino Mancha Lobaly was promoted to Major General and appointed Director of National Defence Security Industries.
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Brigadier Charles Lenjo Mwazighe became Major General and took over as Director of the International Peace Support Centre.
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Brigadier Mohamed Isak Iddi was elevated to Major General and appointed Director at the Directorate of Oversight, Compliance and Accountability (DOCA).
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Brigadier Edward Rugendo was promoted to Major General and is now the Director of Personnel and Logistics.
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Brigadier Richard Wambua Mwanzia rose to Major General and became the Senior Directing Staff, Army at the National Defence College.
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Colonel Said Mohamed Mwacharo was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Infrastructure.
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Colonel Meshack Sinkira Kishoyian was promoted to Brigadier and named Commander of the 6 Brigade.
In the Kenya Air Force:
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Colonel Victor Waithaka Kang’ethe was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Director of the National Air Support Department (NASD).
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Colonel Rodah Mkavita Mwasigwa was promoted to Brigadier and made Chief of Compensation and Welfare at Defence Headquarters.
In the Kenya Navy:
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Brigadier Timothy Stelu Lekolool was promoted to Major General and appointed Senior Directing Staff at the National Defence College.
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Colonel Ronald Mesa Makori was promoted to Brigadier and made Chief of Strategic Plans and Policy.
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Colonel Peter Musili Muthungu was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Head of Production at Kenya Shipyard Limited.
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Lieutenant Colonel Wilfrida Atieno Omolo was promoted to Colonel and appointed Commander of Kenya Navy Logistics.
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Lieutenant Colonel Safari Katana Kalume rose to Colonel and was named Senior Directing Staff at the Navy Joint Warfare Centre.
This military reshuffle reflects President Ruto’s intention to revamp the defence forces and ensure experienced leadership in key strategic positions.