Ruto Appoints General Charles Muriu Kahariri As New Chief Of Defence Forces

President William Ruto has appointed General Charles Muriu Kahariri as the new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).

Kahariri was serving as the Vice CDF, second to the late General Francis Ogolla who died in a helicopter crash. However, he was serving as CDF in acting capacity following Ogolla's death.

He was also serving in the rank of Lieutenant General before his promotion to the rank of General.

General Charles Muriu Kahariri taking oath of office as the Vice CDF on March 9, 2024. /PCS

"Today, 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 promoted Lieutenant General Charles Muriu Kahariri to the rank of General and appointed him The Chief of the Defence Forces," the statement by the Ministry of Defence dated Thursday, May 2 announced.

Other Appointments

The President has also promoted Major General John Mugaravai Omenda to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed him Vice Chief of the Defence Forces. Until his appointment, Lieutenant General John Mugaravai Omenda was the Kenya Air Force Commander.

President Ruto has also posted Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed to Kenya Air Force and appointed her Commander.

Similarly, Major General Paul Owuor Otieno has been posted to the Kenya Navy and appointed Commander.

"Subsequently, on the advice of the Defence Council Chaired by Hon. Aden Bare Duale, Cabinet Secretary for Defence, the President has upheld the Council's recommendations and made various promotions, postings and appointments of Kenya Defence Forces Officers as follows," added the statement.

Major General Thomas Njoroge Ng'ang'a was posted to the National Defence University and appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Administration and Finance.

Brigadier Peter Nyamu Githinji was promoted to Major General and appointed Senior Directing Staff, Air at National Defence College.

Also promoted to the position of Major General was Brigadier Jattani Kampare Gula. He was also named as the new Managing Director of the Kenya Meat Commission.

Brigadier George Okumu was also promoted to Major General and appointed Managing Director of Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation and Food Processing Factory.

Meanwhile, Brigadier Samuel Kosgei Kipkorir was appointed as Deputy Commander of Kenya Air Force.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale alongside newly appointed KDF officers at the MOD on May 2, 2024. /KDF