Ruto promotes over 23 senior military officers in KDF changes

Over 23 senior military officers were promoted on Wednesday in changes announced by the Kenya Defence Forces.

This follows a Defence Council meeting chaired by Prime Cabinet Secretary and acting Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Defence Musalia Mudavadi, that briefed President William Ruto who upheld the recommendations and made various promotions, postings, and appointments.

The changes saw Maj Gen Stephen James Mutuku appointed Deputy Commandant, National Defence College.

In the Kenya Army, Col Edward Ondabu Nyamao was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Compensation and Welfare at the Defence Headquarters, and Col Collins Otieno Mitiko was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Personnel at the army headquarters.

Col Paul Kiplimo Koech was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Training, Col Clement Kimaiga Nyakundi was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Deputy Managing Director Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) and Col. Victor Ndegwa Mburu was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Commander Combat Engineers Brigade.

More changes in the army saw Col. Eric Nzioki Kitusya promoted to brigadier and appointed Chief of Logistics at the army headquarters, and Col Salaash Kantai was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Commander of the Military Intelligence Corps.

KDF CDF General Charles Kahariri at Laikipia Airbase. (X/KDF)

Col Edward Willy Banda was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Brigade Commander 8 Brigade, while Col. Jackson Lesaiyo Lemakara was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Commander Embakasi Garrison.

Ruto also promoted Col. Dr Charles Ondengo Ochieng to Brigadier and appointed him Chief of Naval Medical Services. Col. Yusuf Adan was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Communication Information System at the defence headquarters, while Lt. Col. (Rev.) Jane Wairimu Muringi was promoted to Colonel and appointed Service Chaplain.

At the Kenya Air Force, Col Bernard Markie Oluoch was promoted to brigadier and appointed Base Commander, at Moi Air Base, Col Eutychus Nadegwa Nyawira was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Head of Training Support and Research at the National Defence College Col Nehemiah Kemei was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief Executive Officer at the Defence Sacco, as Lt Col Mercy Wairimu Kamau was promoted to Col and appointed Col Finance and Audit at the Defence National Security Industries.

Lastly, at the Kenya Navy, Brigadier John Sankale Kiswaa was appointed Commander Kenya Navy, and Brigadier Peter Shikukuu Chelimo was appointed Director Centre for Security and Strategic Studies at the National Defence University.

Col Lazarus Patroba Wafula was promoted to Brigadier and appointed base commander, Kenya Naval base in Manda, Col Abraham Kipchirchir Biwott was promoted to Brigadier and appointed base commander, Kenya Naval base in Mtongwe, Col Mohamed Shee Shemote was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Base Commander, Kenya Navy Fleet and Lt Col, Marcella Kananu Aritho was promoted to Col and appointed Deputy Commander, Kenya Navy Fleet.

More changes were made in line with the recommendations of the Defence Council.