Ruto announces key leadership changes in KDF
President William Ruto has announced key leadership changes in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), including new promotions, appointments and postings across the Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force and Kenya Navy.
In a statement issued on Friday, June 5, 2026, the president, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, acted on the recommendations of the Defence Council, marking a wide-ranging reshuffle within the military leadership structure.
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Among the key changes, Major General John Maiso Nkoimo has been appointed Deputy Commander of the Kenya Army. He replaces Major General Mohamed Nur Hassan, who has proceeded on retirement.
Prior to his appointment, Maj. Gen. Nkoimo served as the General Officer Commanding Central Command.
“Major General John Maiso Nkoimo as the Deputy Commander Kenya Army. He replaces Major General Mohamed Nur Hassan, who has proceeded for retirement,” the statement reads.
Changes in Kenya Air Force
In the Kenya Air Force, Brigadier Mohamud Salah Farah, formerly Base Commander at Laikipia Air Base, has been appointed Deputy Air Force Commander.
The president also promoted Brigadier William Kamoiro to Major General and appointed him General Officer Commanding Central Command.
“Brigadier Mohamud Salah Farah who was the base commander at Laikipia Air Base has been appointed the Deputy Air Force Commander. The President has promoted Brigadier William Kamoiro to the rank of Major General and appointed him the General Officer Commanding Central Command,” the statement reads.
In another appointment, Brigadier Peter Kipketer Limo has been promoted to Major General and named Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics at the Defence Headquarters.
He replaces Major General Edward Rugendo, who has been appointed Managing Director of the Defence Forces Welfare Services. Brig. Limo previously held the same managing director position before his promotion.
“Brigadier Peter Kipketer Limo has also been promoted to the rank of Major General and appointed Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics at the Defence Headquarters. Brigadier Limo replaces Major General Edward Rugendo, who has been appointed as the Managing Director at the Defence Forces Welfare Services. Until his promotion and appointment, Brigadier Limo was the Managing Director at the Defence Forces Welfare Services,” the statement reads.
Kenya Navy
Additionally, the President extended the tenure of service for Kenya Navy Commander Major General Paul Owuor Otieno by one year.
“Major General Paul Owuor Otieno by one year,” the statment reads.
Promotions and appointments
Ruto also upheld the Council’s recommendations and made various promotions, postings and appointments of Kenya Defence Forces Officers.
Here are some further changes that affected several senior officers across the services.
