President William Ruto has announced new leadership changes in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) ranks.
In a statement released on Friday, March 8, Ruto promoted Major General Charles Muriu Kahariri to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed him the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces.
Kahariri will replace Lieutenant General Jonah Maina Mwangi whose term has come to an end after 42 years of service.
“His Excellency Hon Dr William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H, President of the Republic of Kenya, and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces pursuant to section 9 (2) (a) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, has today promoted Major General Charles Muriu Kahariri to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed him the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces,” read the statement in part.
Ruto also promoted Major General David Kimaiyo Tarus to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed him the Commander Kenya Army.
At the same time, Ruto promoted and appointed Major General Jimson Longiro to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed him Vice Chancellor of the National Defence University. Prior to the appointment, Longiro was the Commander of the Kenya Navy.
“Consequently, the President has also promoted and appointed Brigadier Thomas Njoroge Ng’ang’a to the rank of Major General and appointed him the Commander Kenya Navy. Until he was appointed Commander Kenya Navy he was the Base Commander Kenya Navy Base Manda,” the Ministry of Defence added.
President Ruto also followed the advice of the Defence Council and promoted Major General Juma Shee Mwinyikai to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed him Commandant of the National Defence College.
Major General Mohamed Nur Hassan was appointed Deputy Commander of the Army and posted to the Kenya Army Headquarters.
Brigadier Luka Kipkemoi Kutto was promoted to the rank of Major General and appointed General Officer Commanding Eastern Command, while Major General Aphaxard Muthuri Kiugu was appointed Commandant and posted to the Kenya Military Academy.
The Head of State further promoted Major General John Maison Nkoimo, Brigadier Peter Shikuku Chelimo and Brigadier Yahya Abdi.
Nkiomo has been posted to the Border Security Command while Shikuku and Abdi have been posted to the Headquarters Kenya Navy and National Defence College respectively.
