Ruto Names Lt Gen Ketter as Army Commander in Defence Shake-Up

President William Ruto has appointed Major General David Kipkemboi Ketter as the new Commander of the Kenya Army, promoting him to Lieutenant General. The announcement followed a Defence Council meeting held on Monday.

Lt Gen Ketter replaces Lieutenant General David Kimaiyo Chemwaina Tarus, who has been redeployed to the National Defence University – Kenya (NDU-K) as Vice Chancellor. Prior to his appointment, Ketter served as the Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics.

This appointment places Ketter in direct succession to General Charles Kahariri, the current Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), who hails from the Navy. According to the Tonje Rules, leadership of the CDF rotates among the military branches, with the Army set to take over after the Navy.

Ruto also announced the following appointments:

• Major General Benard Waliaula appointed as Commander, Kenya Air Force, replacing Maj Gen Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed, who retires after 42 years of service.
• Brigadier Joel Muriungi M’arimi promoted to Major General and appointed Commandant, Kenya Military Academy.
• Brigadier Joyce Chelang’at Sitienei promoted to Major General and appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor, Centre for Strategic and Security Studies, at NDU-K.

Further appointments and promotions include:

• Brig Faustino Mancha Lobaly promoted to Maj Gen, appointed Director, National Defence Security Industries.
• Brig Charles Lenjo Mwazighe promoted to Maj Gen, appointed Director, International Peace Support Centre.
• Brig Mohamed Isak Iddi promoted to Maj Gen, appointed Director, Directorate of Oversight, Compliance and Accountability (DOCA).
• Brig Edward Rugendo promoted to Maj Gen, appointed Director of Personnel and Logistics.
• Brig Richard Wambua Mwanzia promoted to Maj Gen, appointed Senior Directing Staff Army, National Defence College.

Additional key promotions:

• Colonel Said Mohamed Mwacharo promoted to Brigadier, appointed Chief of Infrastructure.
• Colonel Meshack Sinkira Kishoyian promoted to Brigadier, appointed Commander, 6 Brigade.
• Colonel Ronald Mesa Makori promoted to Brigadier, appointed Chief of Strategic Plans and Policy.
• Col Herbert Mabele Wafula promoted to Brigadier, appointed Base Commander, Moi Airbase.
• Col Ismail Guhad Noor promoted to Brigadier, appointed Deputy Managing Director, Kenya Ordnance Factories Limited and Food Processing Factory.
• Col Victor Waithaka Kang’ethe promoted to Brigadier, appointed Director, National Air Support Department (NASD).
• Colonel Peter Musili Muthungu promoted to Brigadier, appointed Head of Production, Kenya Shipyard Limited.
• Lt Col Wilfrida Atieno Omolo promoted to Colonel, appointed Commander, Kenya Navy Logistics.
• Lieutenant Colonel Safari Katana Kalume promoted to Colonel, appointed Senior Directing Staff Navy, Joint Warfare Centre.

The changes reflect the ongoing restructuring and strategic realignment within the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

General Kahariri is expected to serve at least two more years, as per the KDF Act, which mandates a single four-year term or retirement upon reaching the set age limit for the CDF, deputy, and service commanders.

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Ruto Names Lt Gen Ketter as Army Commander in Defence Shake-Up