Ruto Appoints Francis Ogolla's Deputy Among New KDF Changes

President William Ruto has announced new changes to the leadership of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), including the appointment of the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF).

In the changes that were announced 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.

He will deputise General Francis Ogolla and is set to replace Lieutenant General Jonah Maina Mwangi who concluded his term.

"President has also promoted and appointed Major General David Kimaiyo Tarus to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed him the Commander Kenya Army. 

"Lieutenant General David Kimaiyo Tarus replaces Lieutenant General Peter Mbogo Njiru whose term has come to an end after 39 years of service. Until his appointment as Commander Kenya Army, Lieutenant General David Kimaiyo Tarus was the Deputy Army Commander," read the statement by KDF in part.

List Of Changes

Furthermore, the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces promoted Major General Jimson Longiro to the rank of Lieutenant General.

Longiro was also named as the new Vice-Chancellor of National Defence University. He had beforehand served as 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 of Kenya Navy. Until he was appointed, Commander of Kenya Navy he was the Base Commander of Kenya Navy Base Manda," read the statement in part.

The President also promoted Major General Juma Shee Mwinyikai to Lieutenant General and was appointed as Commandant of the National Defence College.

Major General Mohamed Nur Hassan was appointed to the Headquarters of the Kenya Army and appointed Deputy Army Commander.

Brigadier Luka Kipkemoi Kutto was also promoted to Major General and appointed General Officer Commanding Eastern Command.

At the Kenya Military Academy, Ruto picked Major General Aphaxard Muthuri Kiugu and appointed him its Commandant.

Major General John Maison Nkoimo was posted to Border Security Command and appointed General Officer Commanding.

Brigadier Peter Shikuku Chelimo was appointed Deputy Navy Commander at the Headquarters of the Kenya Navy.