KDF Undergoes High-Level Shake-Up as Ruto Names New Army, Air Force Commanders
President Ruto has approved a raft of appointments and promotions in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) as part of a major reorganisation across all branches.
The changes take effect immediately and were announced by the Ministry of Defence on Friday after recommendations by the Defence Council chaired by Defence Cabinet Secretary Roselinda Soipan Tuya.
The reshuffle is part of ongoing reforms to strengthen the military’s leadership and operational efficiency.
One of the biggest changes is Major General David Kipkemboi Ketter being promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed Commander of the Kenya Army. He replaces Lieutenant General David Kimaiyo Chemwaina Tarus who has been redeployed to serve as Vice Chancellor of the National Defence University – Kenya (NDU-K). Before his promotion, Lt Gen Ketter was the Assistant Chief of Defence Forces for Personnel and Logistics.
The Kenya Air Force also gets a new Commander with Major General Benard Waliaula appointed to the position, replacing Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed who retires after 42 years of service. Maj Gen Waliaula was previously the Director of Defence National Security Industries.
Other appointments in the KDF include:
Kenya Military Academy and NDU-K
- Brigadier Joel Muriungi M’arimi promoted to Major General and appointed Commandant, Kenya Military Academy.
- Brigadier Joyce Chelang’at Sitienei promoted to Major General and appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor, Centre for Strategic and Security Studies at NDU-K.
Kenya Army Appointments
- Brigadier Faustino Mancha Lobaly: Major General, Director of National Defence Security Industries.
- Brigadier Charles Lenjo Mwazighe: Major General, Director of the International Peace Support Centre.
- Brigadier Mohamed Isak Iddi: Major General, Director of Oversight, Compliance and Accountability (DOCAA).
- Brigadier Edward Rugendo: Major General, Director of Personnel and Logistics.
- Brigadier Richard Wambua Mwanzia: Major General, Senior Directing Staff (Army) at National Defence College.
- Colonel Said Mohamed Mwacharo: Brigadier, Chief of Infrastructure.* Colonel Meshack Sinkira Kishoyian: Brigadier, Commander, 6 Brigade.
Kenya Air Force Appointments
- Colonel Herbert Mabele Wafula: Brigadier, Base Commander, Moi Airbase.
- Colonel Ismail Guhad Noor: Brigadier, Deputy Managing Director, Kenya Ordnance Factories Limited and Food Processing Factory.
- Colonel Victor Waithaka Kang’ethe: Brigadier, Director, National Air Support Department (NASD).
- Colonel Rodah Mkavita Mwasigwa: Brigadier, Chief of Compensation and Welfare at Defence Headquarters.
Kenya Navy Appointments
- Brigadier Timothy Stelu Lekolool: Major General, Senior Directing Staff, National Defence College.
- Colonel Ronald Mesa Makori: Brigadier, Chief of Strategic Plans and Policy.
- Colonel Peter Musili Muthungu: Brigadier, Head of Production, Kenya Shipyard Limited.
- Lieutenant Colonel Wilfrida Atieno Omolo: Colonel, Commander, Kenya Navy Logistics.
- Lieutenant Colonel Safari Katana Kalume: Colonel, Senior Directing Staff, Navy Joint Warfare Centre.
The Ministry of Defence said these appointments are meant to inject new blood into the command structure and prepare the military for emerging national and regional security threats.
This reshuffle is in line with President Ruto’s overall plan to modernise the country’s defence machinery and enhance strategic leadership in the armed forces. More updates will follow as the new officers assume office.
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KDF Undergoes High-Level Shake-Up as Ruto Names New Army, Air Force Commanders