- President Ruto has made key changes in the Kenya Defence Forces, promoting and reassigning senior officers.
- The Army, Air Force, and Navy have all seen new leadership appointments.
- These decisions were made with the approval of the Defence Council, chaired by CS Roselinda Tuya.
- The aim is to strengthen military leadership and prepare for emerging security challenges.
President William Ruto has moved to reorganise the leadership of the Kenya Defence Forces in a bold restructuring of military command. The shift affects senior positions in all three service branches and is designed to reinforce strategic leadership at the highest levels.
This realignment received approval from the Defence Council, which is chaired by Defence Cabinet Secretary Roselinda Soipan Tuya, signalling the government’s deeper focus on building a modern, responsive defence force.
Major General David Kipkemboi Ketter has been promoted to Lieutenant General and will now serve as the new Commander of the Kenya Army. He steps into the position previously held by Lieutenant General David Kimaiyo Chemwaina Tarus, who has been appointed Vice Chancellor at the National Defence University – Kenya (NDU-K).
Major General Benard Waliaula has taken over as the Commander of the Kenya Air Force. He replaces Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed, who retires after an exceptional 40 years in service, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and professionalism.
Brigadier Joel Muriungi M’arimi has been promoted to Major General and is now the new Commandant of the Kenya Military Academy. Another notable promotion is Brigadier Joyce Chelang’at Sitienei, who now serves as Deputy Vice Chancellor at the Centre for Strategic and Security Studies, NDU-K, after being elevated to the rank of Major General.
Other Promotions Across the Army, Air Force, and Navy
In the Army
Brigadiers promoted to Major General include: Faustino Manch,a Charles Lenjo Mwazighe, Mohamed Isak Iddi, Edward Rugendo, Richard Wambua Mwanzia
Also promoted to Brigadier are Colonels Said Mwacharo and Meshack Kishoyian, taking over roles in infrastructure and brigade command.
In the Air Force
Colonels rising to Brigadier rank are: Herbert Wafula, Ismail Noor, Victor Kang’ethe, Rodah Mwasigwa
In the Navy
Brigadier Timothy Lekolool has been promoted to Major General. New appointments at the Brigadier or Colonel level include: Ronald Makori, Peter Muthungu, Wilfrida Omolo, Safari Kalume
These officers will now be handling essential logistics and operational responsibilities.
This reshuffle underlines the President’s intent to sharpen leadership within the military and prepare for today’s and tomorrow’s security demands. It also supports the Defence Council’s focus on nurturing professional growth among senior officers, ensuring that the KDF remains effective and forward-looking.
