President Ruto announces major appointments and promotions in KDF

Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi (second right) with Chief of Defence Forces Charles Kihariri (right) and Maj-Gen Fatuma Ahmed, among other top military officials. [Courtesy]

President William Ruto has appointed new officials to key positions in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) following recent promotions and changes.

Major General Stephen Mutuku is now the Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College.

Brigadier Bernard Olouch has been appointed Commander of Moi Air Base. Brigadier Clement Nyakundi has been assigned as Deputy Managing Director of the Kenya Meat Commission.

Brigadier Salaash Kantai will lead the Military Intelligence Corps.

Defence Assistant Director of Communication Grace Mwanja announced the changes on Wednesday, July 24.

 “President William Ruto, under section 9 (2) (a) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, has today, on the advice of the Defence Council chaired by Prime Cabinet Secretary and acting Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Defence Musalia Mudavadi, upheld the Council's recommendations and made various promotions, postings, and appointments of Kenya Defence Forces Officers,” said Mwanja.

Brigadier John Sankale is the new Deputy Commander of the Kenya Navy, while Brigadier Lazarus Wafula has been appointed Commander of the Manda Navy Base.

 Brigadier Mohamed Shemote will serve as the Kenya Navy Fleet Base Commander.

Colonel Edward Morris Ondabu Nyamao has been promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Compensation and Welfare in the Kenya Army.

Brigadier Collins Otieno Mitoko is the new Chief of Personnel, and Brigadier Paul Kiplimo Koech is now Chief of Training. Brigadier Victor Ndegwa Mburu will command the Combat Engineers Brigade.

In the Kenya Air Force, Brigadier Eutychus Ndegwa Nyawira has been appointed Head of Training Support and Research at the National Defence College.

Additional changes in the Kenya Navy include Brigadier Abraham Kipchirchir Biwott as Base Commander of Mtongwe Navy Base and Colonel Marcella Kananu Aritho as Deputy Commander of the Kenya Navy Fleet.