Nairobi,
Tuesday, 2 May, 2024
McCreadie Andias
President Ruto has formally appointment Leutinant General Charles Muriu Kahariri as the Chief of the Kenya Defense forces.
The appointment is in pursuant to section 9 (2) (a) of the KDF Act, which now sees Gen Kahariri promoted to the rank of General and replacing the Late General Francis Ogolla who passed away In a tragic air crash while in position of Chief of Defense.
“Today, 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 promoted Lieutenant General Charles Muriu Kahariri to the rank of General and appointed him The Chief of the Defence Forces.”A statement by The Kenya Defense Forces posted on Thursday, 2 May, 2024, read.
In other appointments, Major General Thomas Njoroge Ng’ang’a was Posted to National Defence University and appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration and Finance while Brigadier Peter Nyamu Githinji was Promoted to Major General and appointed Senior Directing Staff, Air at National Defence College.
Brigadier Jattani Kampare Gula Promoted to Major General and appointed Managing Director Kenya Meat Commission while Brigadier George Okumu was Promoted to Major General and appointed Managing Director Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation and Food Processing Factory
Brigadier Samuel Kosgei Kipkorir was Appointed Deputy Commander Kenya Air Force.
President William Ruto made the changes in line with the minutes of the Defence Council.
General Charles Kahariri was acting on interim basis before his formal appointment and was previously serving as vice Chief of Defense.
The choices were limited and highly considered tribal balance and the norm in the military under the Tonje laws adopted during the reign of former Chief of General Staff Gen Daudi Tonje
Gen Ogolla’s tenure with the Kenya Air Force was incomplete, posing challenges. While there was an absence of a suitable Lt General within the Air Force hierarchy which shifted attention to the Navy, where two potential successors, Lt Gen Mutai and Lt Gen Kahariri with the council setting for Kahariri.
