President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday, 27 July, witnessed the swearing off, of Lt. General Peter Mbogo Njiru as the new Kenya Army Commander.
The ceremony was held in the morning and was attended by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) top brass led by Chief of Defence Forces, General Robert Kibochi, while Head of Public Service, Dr. Joseph Kinyua conducted the ceremony held at State House, Nakuru.
The event also doubled up as the investiture ceremony for the recently promoted Brigadier Zipporah Kalondu Kioko and Brigadier Alice Muringo Mate.
President Kenyatta commended the newly promoted KDF senior officers and wished them success in their new positions.
Lt Gen Njiru will now join the Assumption of the Office of the President Committee to manage the succession of president Kenyatta.
However, the swearing-in event of Lt. Gen Njiru comes a week after President Kenyatta appointed him to fill the office left open by Lieutenant General Walter Koipaton amid his retirement.
Koipaton has served for four tours, after his appointment on July 13, 2018.
Mbogo has served as an Aide-de-Camp to both the late President Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru. He served Uhuru for four years.
The president announced the changes following a meeting by Board One in the military earlier on.
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Lt Gen Njiru had last year been posted to defence staff college and appointed commander.
Other Military Appointments
The current Aide de Camp of President Kenyatta Timothy Stelu Lekolool is now a Brigadier in the new changes.
Others who have been elevated in the Kenya Army include Brigadier David Kimaiyo Chemwaina Tarus who is now Major General and will serve as the General Officer commanding the Western Command.
The Head of State promoted Brigadier Juma Shee Mwinyikai as a Major General and appointed him General Officer Commanding Eastern Command.
Brigadier Fredrick Leuria – Promoted to Major General and appointed Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Operations, Plans, Doctrine and Training.
Brigadier Mungai Nyaga – Promoted to Major General and appointed Force Commander East African Community Regional Force for DRC.
President Kenyatta also promoted sixteen officers from the rank of colonel to the rank of Brigadier.
Col William Kamoiro – Promoted to Brigadier and appointed Commander Second Brigade.
Col Ahmed Mohamed Saman – Promoted to Brigadier and appointed Commander Special Operations Brigade.
Col Joel Muriungi M’Arimi – Promoted to Brigadier and appointed Commandant of the Recruits Training School.
Col Joseph Douglas Mokwena – Promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief of System at Defence Headquarters.
Col David Kiprotich Chesire – Promoted to Brigadier and appointed Commander 8 Brigade.
Col Alice Muringo Mate – Promoted to Brigadier and remains in the Legal Branch at Defence Headquarters.
Col (Dr) David Kimeli Chepsiror – Promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief Medical Officer, Isiolo Regional Hospital.
Col Charles Ndirangu Mathenge – Promoted to Brigadier and appointed Managing Director, Defence Forces Food Processing Factory.
Kenya Air Force Brig Benard Waliaula – Promoted to Major General and appointed Director Defence National Security Industries.
Col Mohammed Salah Farah – Promoted to Brigadier and appointed Base Commander, Laikipia Air Base.
Col Mohamed Dahir Ali – Promoted to Brigadier and appointed Principal, Defence Forces Technical College.
Col (Dr) Justino Mutisya Muinde – Promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief Medical Officer, Eldoret Regional Hospital.
Col Apollo Ogola Aloka – Promoted to Brigadier and appointed Senior Directing Staff Air, National Defence College.
Col Hillary Biwott Kipkosgey – Promoted to Brigadier and appointed Director Kenya Space Agency.
Col Ziporah Kalondu Kioko – Promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Strategic Communication, at the Defence Headquarters.
Kenya Navy Col John Wekesa Khaoya – Promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Welfare and Compensation, at the Defense Headquarters
