By Cyrus Ombati

The new Kenya Army Commander Lieutenant General Njuki Mwaniki has taken over the mantle with a pledge to observe professionalism.

"We have one of the best armies in the world and for us to maintain the standards I promise to observe professionalism, have faith in God and follow rules of operations," he said.

During the colourful event at Army headquarters, in Nairobi, on Monday, Lt Gen Mwaniki disclosed that he had trained in India, China, UK and other developed countries where commanders told him Kenya was among the best in the army.

From left: Chief of General Staff Jeremiah Kianga, former Army Commander Jackson Tuwei, Deputy Army Commander Maj General Maurice Oyugi and the new Army Commander Lt Gen Njuki Mwaniki during the handing over ceremony at the Army headquarters on Monday.

Lt Gen Tuwei during the send-off event. Photo: Boniface Okendo/Standard

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He takes over from Lt Gen Jackson Tuwei who retires from the armed forces after serving for 38 years.

Lt Gen Tuwei said he is satisfied he left a strong force to his successor.

"I am one of the few officers who managed to serve both the Airforce and Army and I am satisfied I have left a better force," said the general.

He said his highest moment was when he served in the Air Force and later deployed to the Army while the lowest moment in his career was when the Ogaden invaded Kenya in 1977 and he led a group of military personnel in deterring the invaders.

Before he departed office, he handed over a Bible and Koran, the Armed Forces Act and Armed Forces Standing Orders to Lt Gen Mwaniki to guide him while he is the commander.

The two were later joined by Chief of the General Staff Gen Jeremiah Kianga and his Vice Lt Gen Julius Karangi for lunch before the official send off ceremony began from the Officers’ Mess.

During the event the Department of Defence clarified that Major-General Maurice Oyugi is the new deputy Army Commander.