Ruto Reshuffles Top KDF Command in Major Military Overhaul
Nairobi – President William Ruto has announced sweeping changes in the leadership of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), promoting key officers and assigning them to new roles across the Army, Air Force, and Navy.
The latest changes affect senior command positions and are intended to reinforce strategic leadership within the military. The appointments were made following recommendations from the Defence Council, chaired by Defense Cabinet Secretary Roselinda Soipan Tuya.
Major General David Kipkemboi Ketter has been promoted to Lieutenant General and will serve as the new Commander of the Kenya Army. He replaces Lieutenant General David Kimaiyo Chemwaina Tarus, who has been reassigned as Vice Chancellor of the National Defence University–Kenya (NDU-K).
Major General Benard Waliaula has been appointed Commander of the Kenya Air Force. He takes over from Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed, who has concluded her 40-year service in the military.
Brigadier Joel Muriungi M’arimi has risen to the rank of Major General and will now head the Kenya Military Academy. In a parallel promotion, Brigadier Joyce Chelang’at Sitienei has been elevated to Major General and appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor at the Centre for Strategic and Security Studies under NDU-K.
President Ruto also sanctioned a broader set of appointments across the three branches of the military:
Kenya Army Promotions
- Brigadiers Faustino Mancha, Charles Lenjo Mwazighe, Mohamed Isak Iddi, Edward Rugendo, and Richard Wambua Mwanzia have been promoted to Major General.
- Colonel Said Mwacharo is now Brigadier, tasked with infrastructure oversight.
- Colonel Meshack Kishoyian has also been promoted to Brigadier and will lead a combat brigade.
Kenya Air Force Promotions
- Colonels Herbert Wafula, Ismail Noor, Victor Kang’ethe, and Rodah Mwasigwa have advanced to Brigadier and assigned to operational and departmental commands.
Kenya Navy Promotions
- Brigadier Timothy Lekolool has been promoted to Major General.
- Colonels Ronald Makori, Peter Muthungu, Wilfrida Omolo, and Safari Kalume have either been promoted to Brigadier or reassigned to senior logistics and operational posts.
In a brief statement released after the announcement, the Ministry of Defence described the changes as part of an ongoing review to strengthen institutional leadership, improve coordination, and enhance national security preparedness.
All appointments and promotions took immediate effect. The Defence Council is expected to continue evaluating other key positions to ensure a smooth command structure across the military.
