Kenya Defence Forces Sergeant Major (DFSM), Warrant Officer Class 1 Bwana Haji Omari, attended the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) Change of Responsibility ceremony on 20 November 2025 in Stuttgart, Germany.
The event marked the transition of responsibility from Sergeant Major Michael P. Woods—who officially relinquished his role upon reaching retirement age—to Command Sergeant Major Garric M. Banfield.
The invitation extended to WO1 Omari was a noble gesture and a clear reflection of the warm, strategic, and enduring relationship between the United States and Kenya’s military establishments. It further highlighted the shared goals and cooperation that continue to define US–Kenya defence relations.
Notably, DFSM Bwana Haji Omari was one of only two Non-Commissioned Officers from Africa invited to grace the occasion, the other being a representative from Zambia. His inclusion underscored Kenya’s growing leadership influence and the high regard in which its NCO corps is held internationally.
WO1 Omari also held discussions with the newly appointed USAFRICOM Sergeant Major, Garric M. Banfield, on a wide range of issues of mutual concern to the NCO corps in both countries.
This moment stands as a significant milestone for Kenya’s NCO leadership and a testament to the strong, collaborative, and evolving military partnership between Kenya and the United States.
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