Lt General Charles Muriu Kahariri has been promoted to the rank of General and appointed as the new Chief of Defence Forces, following the unfortunate demise of Gen Francis Ogolla in a helicopter crash.
Maj Gen John Omenda, former Kenya Air Force commander, has been elevated to the position of Vice Chief of Defence Forces (VCDF), succeeding Lt Gen Kahariri.
Meanwhile, Maj Gen Fatuma Ahmed has been chosen to lead the Kenya Air Force, taking over from Maj Gen Omenda.
These decisions were reached during a crucial meeting of the Defense Council, presided over by Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
Gen Kahariri’s promotion stands out due to his unique career trajectory. Unlike previous chiefs, he didn’t serve as a service commander but brings extensive experience from his tenure as Deputy Commander of the Kenya Navy and subsequent role at the Defence College.
In a move to ensure regional balance, Paul Otieno, currently serving as Managing Director of Kenya Shipyards Limited, has been appointed as the new Commander of the Kenya Navy, replacing Maj Gen Thomas Nganga, who will now serve as Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance at the National Defence University.
Other notable appointments include the promotion of Brig Peter Githinji to Maj Gen and his assignment as Senior Directing Staff at the National Defence College.
Brig George Okumu has also been promoted to Maj Gen and tasked with overseeing the Kenya Ordinance Factories Corporation and Food Processing Factory as Managing Director.
Additionally, Brig Samuel Kipkorir has been appointed as the new Deputy Commander of the Kenya Air Force.
By Vivian K.