Uhuru's Ex-Aide-De-Camp Among New KDF Appointees

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday, July 20 made changes to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and among them, his former aide-de-camp (ADC) Peter Mbogo Njiru will be the new commander of the Kenya Army.

In a statement to newsrooms by the Ministry of Defence, the changes were informed by proceedings of a joint meeting of the Defence Council, which was chaired by Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa.

Uhuru promoted 22 senior military officers to new positions and moved others to different posts. Njiru will also be the new Lieutenant General after promotion from Major General.

President Uhuru Kenyatta's former aide-de-camp (ADC) Peter Mbogo Njiru. /FILE

His previous role was held by Lieutenant General Walter Koipaton, who retired after four years tour of duty.

Timothy Stelu, the current ADC who previously served as a colonel, was promoted to the rank of Brigadier. However, he retains his role as the ADC to the Head of State.

He was last week awarded the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (E.B.S.) commendation by the President alongside Uhuru's niece, Nana Gecaga, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

An aide-de-camp is a subordinate military or naval officer acting as a confidential assistant to a superior, usually to a general officer or admiral. Within the United States Army, for instance, aides-de-camp are specifically appointed to general-grade officers (NATO Code OF-6 through OF-10), the Secretary of the Army, Secretary of Defense, Vice President, and President of the United States; rank and number are determined by the grade.

"His Excellency Hon Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya, and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, on the advice of the Defence Council, chaired by Hon Eugene Wamalwa, Cabinet Secretary for Defence, has today July 20, 2022, made the following promotions, appointments and postings of the officers of the Kenya Defence Forces," read the statement in part.

Other promotions included Brigadier David Kimaiyo Chemwaina Tarus (Major General and appointed General Officer Commanding Western Command), Brig Juma Shee Mwinyikai (Major General and appointed General Officer Commanding Eastern Command) and Brig Fredrick Leuria (Major General and appointed Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Operations, Plans, Doctrine and Training).

In the Kenya Air Force, Brig Benard Waliaula was promoted to the position of Major General and appointed Director Defence National Security Industries, Col Mohammed Salah Farah (promoted to Brigadier and appointed Base Commander, Laikipia Air Base)

Here is the list of changes spanning the Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force and Kenya Navy:

In the Kenya Army

1. Col William Kamoiro to Brigadier and appointed Commander Second Brigade.
2. Col Ahmed Mohamed Saman was to Brigadier and appointed Commander Special Operations Brigade.
3. Col Joel Muriungi M'Arimi to Brigadier and appointed Commandant of the Recruits Training School.
4. Col Joseph Doughlas Mokwena to Brigadier and appointed Chief of System at Defence Headquarters.
5. Col David Kiprotich Chesire to Brigadier and appointed Commander 8 Brigade.
6. Col Alice Muringo Mate to Brigadier and remains in the Legal Branch at Defence Headquarters.
7. Col (Dr) David Kimeli Chepsiror to Brigadier and appointed Chief Medical Officer, Isiolo Regional Hospital.
8. Col Charles Ndirangu Mathenge to Brigadier and appointed Managing Director, Defence Forces Food Processing Factory.

In the Kenya Airforce

1. Col Mohammed Salah Farah to Brigadier and appointed Base Commander, Laikipia Air Base.
2. Col Mohamed Dahir Ali to Brigadier and appointed Principal, Defence Forces Technical College.
3. Col (Dr) Justino Mutisya Muinde to Brigadier and appointed Chief Medical Officer, Eldoret Regional Hospital.
4. Col Apollo Ogola Aloka to Brigadier and appointed Senior Directing Staff Air, National Defence College.
5. Col Hillary Biwott Kipkosgey to Brigadier and appointed Director Kenya Space Agency.
6. Col Ziporah Kalondu Kioko to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Strategic Communication, at the Defence Headquarters.

In the Kenya Navy

1. Col John Wekesa Khaoya to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Welfare and Compensation, at the Defence Headquarters.
2. Col Timothy Stelu Lekolool to Brigadier and still ADC to His Excellency the President.

President Uhuru Kenyatta salutes during a past function. /THE STAR