General Muriu Kahariri sworn in as Chief of Defence Forces

General Charles Muriu Kahariri was on Friday sworn in as Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) in a ceremony held at State House, Nairobi.

The general who replaces the late Francis Ogolla was sworn in alongside Major General John Mugaravai Omenda who was sworn in as the Vice Chief of Defence Forces in the event attended by top military officers.

Other top commands such as Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed, and Major General Paul Owuor Otieno among others who were promoted to higher ranks yesterday were also sworn in.

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.

“His Excellency Hon Dr William Ruto, C.G.H President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces, pursuant to section 9 (2) (a) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, has today promoted Lieutenant General Charles Muriu Kahariri to the rank of General and appointed him the Chief of Defence Forces,” a circular from the Ministry of Defence read in parts.

The president also appointed Major General John Mugaravai Omenda as the Vice Chief of Defence Forces and appointed him to the rank of Lieutenant General.

He also posted Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed to the Kenya Air Force and appointed her Commander.

The Head of State also posted Major General Paul Owuor Otieno to the Kenya Navy and appointed him Commander.

Similarly, 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.

At the same time, 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.

“Subsequently, on the advice of the Defence Council chaired by Hon Aden Bare Duale, Cabinet Secretary for Defence, the President has upheld the council’s recommendations and made various promotions, postings and appointments of Kenya Defence Forces officers,” the circular from the Ministry of Defence added.