The Kenya Defence Forces(KDF) have found themselves in the middle of a major reshuffle as changes and promotions are made within their leadership by President William Ruto.

In changes announced on Friday, March 8, the head of state promoted Major General Charles Muriu Kahariri to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed him the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces deputizing General Francis Ogolla.

Kahariri will replace outgoing Lieutenant General Jonah Maina Mwangi who is due for retirement after serving 42 years in the armed forces.

Similarly Major General David Kimaiyo Tarus has also been elevated to a similar rank as Kahariri and appointed Kenya Army Commander.

“Lieutenant General David Kimaiyo Tarus replaces Lieutenant General Peter Mbogo Njiru whose term has come to an end after 39 years of service. Until his appointment as Commander Kenya Army, Lieutenant General David Kimaiyo Tarus was the Deputy Army Commander,” read the statement by KDF in part.

In addition, the Commander in Chief also promoted Major General Jimson Longiro to the rank of Lieutenant General. Longiro the former Commander of the Kenya Navy was also named as the new Vice-Chancellor of National Defence University.

“The President has also promoted and appointed Major General Jimson Longiro to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed him Vice-Chancellor National Defence University – Kenya Until his appointment Lieutenant General Jimson Longiro was the Commander Kenya Navy,” the Ministry of Defence said in a statement to newsrooms on  Friday.

President Ruto likewise promoted and re-assigned seven senior KDF officers as per recommendations from the Kenya Defence Council chaired by CS Aden Duale.

They are; Major General Juma Shee Mwinyikai, Major General Mohammed Nur Hassan, Brigadier Luka Kipkemoi Kutto, Major General Aphaxard Muthuri Kiugu, Major General John Maison Nkoimo, Brigadier Peter Shikuku Chelimo and Brigadier Yahya Abdi.