Table of Contents:
Major Shake-Up in Kenya Defence Forces Leadership
President William Ruto has announced a major reshuffle in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), promoting and appointing several top military officers in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s defence command.
New Kenya Army Commander
Major General David Kipkemboi Ketter has been promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed as the new Commander of the Kenya Army. He replaces Lt. Gen. David Tarus, who will now serve as Vice Chancellor of the National Defence University – Kenya (NDU-K).
Until his new appointment, Lt. Gen. Ketter was the Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics.
Changes in Kenya Air Force
In another key appointment, Major General Benard Waliaula has replaced Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed as Commander of the Kenya Air Force. Waliaula previously served as Director of Defence National Security Industries.
Other Promotions and Appointments
- Maj. Gen. Joel Muriungi M’arimi – Appointed Commandant, Kenya Military Academy
- Maj. Gen. Joyce Chelang’at Sitienei – Appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor, Strategic & Security Studies, NDU-K
- Maj. Gen. Faustino Mancha Lobaly – Director, National Defence Security Industries
- Maj. Gen. Charles Lenjo Mwazighe – Director, International Peace Support Centre
- Maj. Gen. Mohamed Isak Iddi – Director, Directorate of Oversight, Compliance and Accountability (DOCA)
- Maj. Gen. Edward Rugendo – Director of Personnel and Logistics
- Maj. Gen. Richard Wambua Mwanzia – Senior Directing Staff Army, National Defence College
New Brigadiers
- Brig. Said Mohamed Mwacharo – Chief of Infrastructure
- Brig. Meshack Sinkira Kishoyian – Commander 6 Brigade
- Brig. Herbert Mabele Wafula – Base Commander, Moi Airbase
- Brig. Ismail Guhad Noor – Deputy MD, Kenya Ordnance Factories Ltd & Food Processing Factory
- Brig. Victor Waithaka Kang’ethe – Director, National Air Support Department (NASD)
- Brig. Rodah Mkavita Mwasigwa – Chief of Compensation and Welfare
- Maj. Gen. Timothy Stelu Lekolool – Senior Directing Staff, National Defence College
- Brig. Ronald Mesa Makori – Chief of Strategic Plans and Policy
- Brig. Peter Musili Muthungu – Head of Production, Kenya Shipyard Limited
New Colonels
- Col. Wilfrida Atieno Omolo – Commander, Kenya Navy Logistics
- Col. Safari Katana Kalume – Senior Directing Staff Navy, Joint Warfare Centre
Ruto Acts on Defence Council Recommendations
The appointments and promotions follow recommendations by the Defence Council chaired by Defence CS Soipan Tuya. The move aligns with Ruto’s ongoing efforts to reinforce national security and military efficiency.
Internal Links
- Ruto Restructures Police Command in New Security Order
- Key Appointments at National Defence University Kenya
- Latest Updates on President William Ruto
