President William Ruto has undertaken a sweeping reshuffle of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), announcing major promotions and new appointments across the Army, Air Force, and Navy in a strategic move aimed at reinforcing leadership within the military ranks.
The changes, approved on the advice of the Defence Council chaired by Defence Cabinet Secretary Roselinda Soipan Tuya, reflect a broad reorganisation of the KDF’s command structure.
Among the key appointments, Major General David Kipkemboi Ketter has been promoted to Lieutenant General and named Commander of the Kenya Army, replacing Lieutenant General David Kimaiyo Chemwaina Tarus, who now assumes the role of Vice Chancellor of the National Defence University – Kenya (NDU-K).
In the Kenya Air Force, Major General Benard Waliaula becomes the new Commander, succeeding Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed, who has concluded a distinguished 40-year military career.
Other senior appointments include:
- Brigadier Joel Muriungi M’arimi, promoted to Major General, is now the Commandant of the Kenya Military Academy.
- Brigadier Joyce Chelang’at Sitienei has been elevated to Major General and appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor at the Centre for Strategic and Security Studies, NDU-K.
Summary of Additional Promotions and Appointments:
Kenya Army:
Promoted to Major General: Brigadiers Faustino Mancha, Charles Lenjo Mwazighe, Mohamed Isak Iddi, Edward Rugendo, and Richard Wambua Mwanzia.
Promoted to Brigadier: Colonels Said Mwacharo (Infrastructure) and Meshack Kishoyian (Brigade Command).
Kenya Air Force:
Promoted to Brigadier: Colonels Herbert Wafula, Ismail Noor, Victor Kang’ethe, and Rodah Mwasigwa.
Kenya Navy:
Brigadier Timothy Lekolool elevated to Major General.
New Brigadiers/Colonels: Ronald Makori, Peter Muthungu, Wilfrida Omolo, and Safari Kalume appointed to critical operational and logistics roles.
The reshuffle underscores President Ruto’s commitment to bolstering national defence and enhancing the professional development of KDF personnel. The Defence Council emphasized the strategic significance of these changes in addressing emerging security challenges and advancing military excellence.
Written By Rodney Mbua
