General Robert Kibochi Sworn-In as New Kenyan Military Chief

President Kenyatta has witnessed the swearing-in of the new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Robert Kibochi.

Kibochi, who takes over the leadership of Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) from Gen. Samson Mwathethe, was sworn-in during a ceremony held at State House, Nairobi on Monday, May 11th.

Having joined the military 30 years ago, Gen. Kibochi rose from 2nd Lieutenant (the lowest officer rank) to the highest officer rank of a General.

“I commend the Cabinet Secretary and the Ministry of Defence team for ensuring a seamless transition. This signals our maturity in governance and strong belief in civil transfer of power, as envisaged in our constitution,” President Uhuru said during the ceremony.

Uhuru lauded Kibochi's predecessor Gen. Mwathethe for serving the nation diligently during his 42-year military career.

“I am confident that you will steer our Defence Forces with steady hands. You take over from General Samson Mwathethe, who has served this nation selflessly, with loyalty and dedication. I expect no less from the incoming team and neither do the citizens of this country."

“You are taking the mantle of leadership at the KDF at a time when the country, region and the world is confronted by a number of threats and risks. Apart from the terrorist threat that faces us we are confronting Covid-19, the floods, and the locusts invasion,” Uhuru told Kibochi.

Kibochi took oath alongside the recently appointed military chiefs among them Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen. Levi Mghalu and Commander of the Kenya Navy, Major General Jimson Mutai.

The ceremony was attended by Defense Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma, Gen. Samson Mwathethe and Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai, among others.