By Lauryne Akoth
His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto has promoted Lt Gen Charles Muriu Kahariri to the rank of General and appointed him as the Chief of Defence Forces.
General Kahariri who was serving as the vice chief of the defence forces succeeds the late General Francis Ogolla, who died in a tragic helicopter crash on 18th April 2024.
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“His Excellency Hon Dr William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H, President of the Republic of Kenya, and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, pursuant to section 9 (2) (a) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, has today promoted Lieutenant General Charles Muriu Kahariri to the rank of General and appointed him the Chief of the Defence Forces,” read the statement by the Ministry of Defence.
The head of state also promoted Major General John Mugaravai Omenda to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed him as the vice chief of the Defence Forces.
Lieutenant General Omenda was previously serving as the Kenya Airforce Commander.
Major General Fatuma Gaiti makes history as the first female Air Force Commander. She has been appointed to the Kenya Airforce and will be taking over from Lieutenant General Omenda.
Furthermore, the head of state also appointed Major General Paul Owuor Otieno as the commander of the Kenya Navy.
The President has acted upon recommendations from the Defence Council, chaired by Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Aden Duale, by making several promotions and appointments.
Major General Thomas Njoroge Ng’ang’a has been Posted to the National Defence University and appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor of Administration and Finance.
Subsequently, Brigadier Peter Nyamu Githinji has also been promoted to Major General and appointed Senior Directing Staff, Air at National Defence College.