COMMANDER IN CHIEF PRESIDES OVER THE INVESTITURE OF RANKS AND SWEARING IN CEREMONY

His Excellency Hon Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces presided over the investiture of ranks and swearing in ceremony of newly promoted and appointed Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) General Officers and senior officers at State House, Nairobi.

The event comes a day after the President effected postings, promotions and appointments of the General Officers pursuant to section 9 (2) (a) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, that saw Major General David Ketter promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed Commander Kenya Army and Major General Bernard Waliaula appointed Commander Kenya Air Force.

The Commander-in-Chief witnessed the swearing in of both Commanders and in his statement congratulated the newly promoted general officers who are set to undertake on bigger responsibilities ahead. He encouraged them to do their best and collaborate with the CDF and other key leadership within the KDF.

During the event, the Commander in Chief also oversaw the investiture of ranks to, Major General Joel M’arimi, Commandant Kenya Military Academy, Major General Joyce Sitienei, Deputy Vice Chancellor Centre for Strategic and Security Studies at National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K), Major General Faustino Lobaly as the Director National Defence Security Industries, Major General Charles Mwazighe, Director International Peace Support Centre, Major General Edward Rugendo as Director of Personnel and Logistics, Major General Richard Mwanzia, Senior Directing Staff Army National Defence College, Maj Gen Mohamed Isak, Director at the Directorate of Oversight, Compliance and Accountability, Major Gen Timothy Stelu Lekolool, Senior Directing Staff Navy National Defence College, Brigadier Fabian Lengusuran, Aide de camp of the Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces, Brigadier Rhoda Mkavita, Chief of Compensation and welfare Defence Headquarters and Colonel Wilfrida Atieno Kenya Navy Logistics.

Notably, the President commended the Defence Council alongside the Ministry of Defence for ensuring this meticulous exercise has been a success.

“I commend the KDF for their professionalism and integrity. We need security and stability to undertake nation building responsibilities bestowed on our shoulders.” he said.

Additionally, he stated that the people of Kenya have faith on the KDF to safeguard our borders and ensure it’s safe with the collaboration of other security agencies.

He also expressed his gratitude towards the families of the soldiers and encouraged them to continue making it easy for them to discharge their responsibilities.