President Ruto Reshuffles Military Leadership in Major KDF Shake-Up

President William Ruto has made significant changes to Kenya’s military leadership, affecting top ranks within the Kenya Army, Air Force, and National Defence University. The changes were announced on Friday by the Ministry of Defence.

Major General David Kipkemboi Ketter has been promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed as the new Commander of the Kenya Army. He takes over from Lieutenant General David Kimaiyo Chemwaina Tarus, who has been redeployed to the National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K) as Vice Chancellor.

Meanwhile, Major General Benard Waliaula has been appointed Commander of the Kenya Air Force, succeeding Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed, who retires after 42 years of service. Waliaula previously served as Director of Defence National Security Industries.

Brigadier Joel Muriungi M’arimi was promoted to Major General and named Commandant of the Kenya Military Academy. He formerly led the Armoured Brigade. Brigadier Joyce Chelang’at Sitienei has also been elevated to Major General and appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor, Centre for Strategic and Security Studies at NDU-K.

Further promotions include Brigadier Faustino Mancha Lobaly, now Major General and Director of the National Defence Security Industries, and Brigadier Charles Lenjo Mwazighe, appointed Director of the International Peace Support Centre.

Other notable promotions are:

• Brigadier Mohamed Isak Iddi: Director, Oversight, Compliance and Accountability
• Brigadier Edward Rugendo: Director, Personnel and Logistics
• Brigadier Richard Wambua Mwanzia: Senior Directing Staff, Army at the National Defence College
• Colonel Said Mohamed Mwacharo: Promoted to Brigadier, Chief of Infrastructure
• Colonel Meshack Sinkira Kishoyian: Promoted to Brigadier, Commander 6 Brigade

The appointments follow recommendations from the Defence Council chaired by CS Soipan Tuya and mark one of the most extensive military leadership updates under Ruto’s administration.