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President Ruto appoints General Charles Kahariri as new CDF

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By Mary Wambui | 02 May 2024

Kenya Airforce Commander Major General John Omenda has also been promoted to the rank of a Liuleutenant General and appointed Vice Chief of Defence Forces (VCDF).

President William Ruto has promoted Lieutenant General Charles Muriu Kahariri to the rank of General and appointed him The Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF).

This follows the death of General Francis Ogolla last month.

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General Ogolla perished alongside nine other soldiers in a military helicopter crash on during a work trip to the North Rift region.

Kenya Airforce Commander Major General John Omenda has also been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed Vice Chief of Defence Forces (VCDF).

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (left), President William Ruto and the new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Muriu Kahariri during the burial of Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla in Siaya County on April 21, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

At the same time, the President on Thursday made a historic move in the appointment of Major General Fatuma Ahmed as Airforce Commander.

She ranks as the senior most female military officer in the country's history.

Major General Paul Owuor Otieno has been appointed commander Kenya Navy in the changes announced on Thursday morning.

From left Kenya Army Commander Lt. Gen David Kimaiyo Tarus, Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Charles Kahariri, Defence CS Aden Duale, and his PS Patrick Mariru, Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt. General John Omenda, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration and Finance at the National Defence University-Kenya, Maj. General Thomas Ng'ang'a. (Photo: KDF)

Other changes effected include the appointment of Major General Thomas Nganga as Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Administration and Finance at the National Defence University.

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

Brigadier Jattani Kampare Gulla has been promoted to Major General and appointed Managing Director Kenya Meat Commission.

Brigadier George Okumu has been promoted to Major General and appointed Managing Director Kenya Ordinance Factories Corporation and Food Processing Factory.

And lastly, Brigadier Samuel Kosgei Kipkoros has been promoted as Deputy Commander Kenya Airforce.

"These changes have been made across the Kenya Defence Forces in line with the advice of the Defence Council," the statement signed by the Assistant Director of Public Communications at the Ministry of Defence Ms Grace Linnet Sitawa Mwanja noted.