President William Ruto has made key changes in Kenya’s military. The reshuffle affects the Kenya Army, Air Force, Navy, and the National Defence University.
The Ministry of Defence announced the changes on Friday, June 27.
Ruto promoted Major General David Kipkemboi Ketter to Lieutenant General. He also appointed him as the new Commander of the Kenya Army.
Ketter replaces Lieutenant General David Kimaiyo Chemwaina Tarus. Tarus has been redeployed to the National Defence University of Kenya (NDU-K) as Vice Chancellor.
Before this promotion, Lieutenant General Ketter served as Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics.
The President also named Major General Benard Waliaula as the new Commander of the Kenya Air Force. He takes over from Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed, who retired after 42 years of service.
Before this role, Waliaula served as Director of Defence National Security Industries.
In another change, Ruto promoted Brigadier Joel Muriungi M’arimi to the rank of Major General. He also appointed him Commandant of the Kenya Military Academy.
Before this appointment, M’arimi was the Commander of the Armoured Brigade.