Maj Gen Maurice Otieno Oyugi was born on 15th July 1956 in Ndhiwa district, Nyanza Province. He was educated at Migori secondary school and later graduated with a higher diploma in International Relations from the University of Nairobi. He joined the military in July 1978 and after cadet training, he was commissioned and posted to 20 Parachute Battalion as a Platoon Commander. Maj Gen Oyugi trained in both in the United states of America and Kenya where he has completed several Command and Staff courses (Kenya). He is a Graduate of National Defence college (Kenya).

Maj Gen Oyugi has served in command, staff and instructional appointments at various levels as follows: Commanding Officer 5th Battalion the Kenya Rifles, Defence Attaché in the USA, Chief Instructor at the Kenya Military Academy, Brigade commander 4th Brigade and Director of Logistics at the Army Headquarters.

He was promoted to Major General in 2008 and appointed General Officer commanding (Eastern Command) an appointment he held until November 2010 when he was appointed the Deputy Army Commander.

Maj Gen Oyugi is married to Alice Atieno Oyugi and have been blessed with two children, a boy and a girl. He has also adopted four children