Ruto Reshuffles KDF High Command in Major Military Overhaul

President William Ruto has initiated a significant restructuring of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) high command, promoting and reassigning senior officers across all branches. 

The changes, implemented following deliberations by the Defence Council, impact key positions within the Army, Air Force, and military educational institutions. Lieutenant General David Kipkemboi Ketter is the new Commander of the Kenya Army. Previously Assistant Chief of Defence Forces overseeing Personnel and Logistics, Lt Gen Ketter succeeds Lt Gen David Kimaiyo Chemwaina Tarus, who now assumes the role of Vice Chancellor at the National Defence University, Kenya (NDU-K). 

This appointment places Lt Gen Ketter in a position where he could potentially be considered for the role of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), aligning with the established Tonje Rules that stipulate rotational command among the military branches. The current CDF, General Charles Kahariri, from the Navy, has approximately two years remaining in his term, operating under the KDF Act which allows for a single four-year term or retirement upon reaching the mandatory age.

Major General Benard Waliaula now commands the Kenya Air Force, stepping in for Maj Gen Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed, whose distinguished four-decade military career has concluded. Maj Gen Waliaula, formerly Director of Defence National Security Industries, takes command as Kenya seeks to modernise its air defence capabilities, bringing leadership experienced in defence innovation to the forefront.

The KDF's academic and strategic divisions also see significant changes. 

Brigadier Joel Muriungi M'arimi's promotion to Major General sees him appointed Commandant of the Kenya Military Academy, succeeding his command of the Armoured Brigade. Reinforcing defence education and policy development, Brigadier Joyce Chelang'at Sitienei is elevated to Major General and appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor at the Centre for Strategic and Security Studies within NDU-K.

According to a senior Ministry of Defence official, these appointments "reflect a commitment to both meritocracy and forward-looking leadership," designed to consolidate operational readiness and academic excellence within the military structure. The transformation extends to additional senior roles. Brigadier Faustino Mancha Lobaly is now Major General heading the National Defence Security Industries, while Brigadier Charles Lenjo Mwazighe assumes leadership of the International Peace Support Centre. 

Enhancing oversight and compliance, Brigadier Mohamed Isak Iddi is promoted and appointed Director of the Directorate of Oversight, Compliance and Accountability (DOCA). Logistics and training are also subject to reorganisation. Brigadier Edward Rugendo now leads Personnel and Logistics, while Brigadier Richard Wambua Mwanzia takes on the role of Senior Directing Staff for the Army at the National Defence College. Brig Timothy Stelu Lekolool and Brigadier Peter Musili Muthungu are moved into key academic and production roles at the National Defence College and Kenya Shipyard Limited, respectively.

The changes extend further down the ranks, with Colonels Said Mohamed Mwacharo, Meshack Sinkira Kishoyian, and Victor Waithaka Kang'ethe, among others, being elevated to Brigadier, assuming new roles in strategic planning, brigade command, and air support logistics. Notably, Lt Col Wilfrida Atieno Omolo now takes charge of Kenya Navy Logistics as a newly promoted Colonel. The Ministry of Defence confirms that all appointments align with recommendations from the Defence Council, chaired by Cabinet Secretary Roselinda Soipan Tuya.