President Ruto Installs New KDF Commanders in State House Ceremony
President William Ruto presided over the swearing-in and rank conferment of newly promoted senior officers of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) at State House, Nairobi, on Friday. The ceremony followed the official postings, promotions, and appointments made under the Kenya Defence Forces Act.
The President, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the KDF, promoted Major General David Keter to Lieutenant General and named him the new Commander of the Kenya Army. Keter replaces Lieutenant General Peter Njiru, who held the role prior to the reshuffle.
Major General Benard Waliaula was appointed Commander of the Kenya Air Force, succeeding Major General Fatuma Ahmed, who officially retired after a 42-year military career. Ahmed made history as the first woman to command the Kenya Air Force.
In his address, President Ruto praised the officers for their service, describing the appointments as “merit-based and earned through loyalty, discipline, and professionalism.”
“This leadership reflects the future of our armed forces strong, committed, and prepared to secure our nation against evolving threats,” Ruto said.
Kenya Army Promotions and Appointments:
- Brigadier Faustino Mancha Lobaly: Promoted to Major General, appointed Director of National Defence Security Industries.
- Brigadier Charles Lenjo Mwazighe: Promoted to Major General, appointed Director of International Peace Support Centre.
- Brigadier Mohamed Isak Iddi: Promoted to Major General, appointed Director of Oversight, Compliance and Accountability.
- Brigadier Edward Rugendo: Promoted to Major General, appointed Director of Personnel and Logistics.
- Brigadier Richard Wambua Mwanzia: Promoted to Major General, appointed Senior Directing Staff (Army) at the National Defence College.
- Colonel Said Mohamed Mwacharo: Promoted to Brigadier, appointed Chief of Infrastructure.
- Colonel Meshack Sinkira Kishoyian: Promoted to Brigadier, appointed Commander, 6 Brigade.
Kenya Air Force Appointments:
- Colonel Herbert Mabele Wafula: Promoted to Brigadier, appointed Base Commander, Moi Airbase.
- Colonel Ismail Guhad Noor: Promoted to Brigadier, appointed Deputy Managing Director, Kenya Ordnance Factories Limited.
- Colonel Victor Waithaka Kang’ethe: Promoted to Brigadier, appointed Director of National Air Support Department.
- Colonel Rodah Mkavita Mwasigwa: Promoted to Brigadier, appointed Chief of Compensation and Welfare at Defence Headquarters.
Kenya Navy Appointments:
- Brigadier Timothy Stelu Lekolool: Promoted to Major General, appointed Senior Directing Staff at the National Defence College.
- Colonel Ronald Mesa Makori: Promoted to Brigadier, appointed Chief of Strategic Plans and Policy.
- Colonel Peter Musili Muthungu: Promoted to Brigadier, appointed Head of Production at Kenya Shipyard Limited.
- Lieutenant Colonel Wilfrida Atieno Omolo: Promoted to Colonel, appointed Commander, Kenya Navy Logistics.
- Lieutenant Colonel Safari Katana Kalume: Promoted to Colonel, appointed Senior Directing Staff at the Navy Joint Warfare Centre.
The appointments come at a time when the Kenyan military continues to adapt to emerging regional and global security challenges. President Ruto called on the new leadership to uphold integrity and professionalism in their new roles and pledged full government support for their operations.
“These promotions are not just new titles they come with responsibilities to protect our sovereignty, support peace missions, and ensure our armed forces remain effective and accountable,” he said.
The ceremony marked a significant shift in the KDF command structure and reaffirms the administration’s strategy to strengthen the military’s leadership capacity.
