President William Ruto has stressed to the newly appointed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri and his Vice John Omenda that their appointment is to serve all Kenyans, not their communities.
Speaking after the swearing-in ceremony of the military bosses, Ruto asked the two to refrain from using their power to push their communities’ interests.
“Let me repeat for the avoidance of doubt and in line with your oaths of office, you will serve the people of Kenya. None of you has been appointed to serve your communities, regions, faiths or any other partisan pursuit. Your mandate and responsibility is to the people of Kenya,” Ruto said.
Reiterating that their mandate is to serve Kenyans, Ruto reminded the two military bosses to exercise authority that comes with acknowledgement of responsibility.
“Responsibility comes with accountability. It is my expectation and that of Kenyans that the authority you will exercise will come with enormous acknowledgement of responsibility on your shoulders and the accountability that comes with it,” the president added.
He, however, expressed his support to the two military bosses and congratulated them for the newly assumed responsibilities.
“You have my support, my prayers and my goodwill as you discharge your responsibilities and the people of Kenya have tremendous goodwill for the military. Otherwise, I want to congratulate you and your families for the responsibilities that you have assumed,” Ruto added.
Until his appointment by President William Ruto, Muriu was serving as the Vice Chief of Defence Forces (VCDF) and Lieutenant General before he was promoted to the rank of General.
Major General John Mugaravai Omenda was also promoted to Vice Chief of Defence Forces and appointed him to the rank of Lieutenant General.
Other appointments
Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed was also posted to the Kenya Air Force and appointed Commander.
The Head of State also posted Major General Paul Owuor Otieno to the Kenya Navy and appointed him Commander. Ruto also posted Major General Thomas Njoroge Ng’ang’a to the National Defence University and appointed him Deputy Vice Chancellor of Administration and Finance.
The commander-in-chief also promoted Brigadier Peter Nyamu Githinji to Major General and appointed him Senior Directing Staff, Air at National Defence College.
Brigadier Jettani Kampare Gula was also promoted to Major General and appointed Managing Director of Kenya Meat Commission.
Ruto promoted Brigadier George Okumu to Major General and appointed him Managing Director of Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation and Food Processing Factory.
He also appointed Brigadier Samuel Kosgei Kipkorir as Deputy Commander of Kenya Air Force.