General Charles Muriu Kahariri assumes the role previously held by Francis Omondi Ogolla, who tragically passed away in a helicopter crash currently under investigation.

Kenya's President William Ruto has promoted Lt Gen Charles Muriu Kahariri to the rank of General and appointed him Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), following the death of General Francis Ogolla in a helicopter crash.

Simultaneously, Maj-Gen John Mugaravai Omenda, the current Kenya Army Commander, has been promoted to the rank of Lt-Gen and named Vice Chief of Defence Forces.

Lt Gen Omenda’s promotion marks the historic advancement of Maj-Gen Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed as the Kenya Air Force Commander, making her the first woman service commander.

Furthermore, Maj-Gen Thomas Ng’ang’a, currently Kenya Navy commander, has been appointed to the role of Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance, at the National Defence University-Kenya.

Maj Gen Ng’ang’a will be succeeded as the Kenya Navy Commander by Maj-Gen Paul Owuor Otieno. Additionally, Brigadier Peter Nyamu Githinji has been promoted to the rank of Maj-Gen and appointed Senior Directing Staff, Air at the National Defence College.

Further promotions include Brigadier Jattani Kampare Gula, who has advanced to the rank of Major General and appointed Managing Director of the Kenya Meat Commission. Brigadier George Okumu has also been promoted to Major General and assigned as Managing Director of the Kenya Ordinance Factories Corporation and Food Processing Factory.

Brigadier Samuel Kipkosgei Korir has been named Deputy Commander of the Kenya Air Force. Meanwhile, Lt-Gen Jimson Longiro Mutai retains his position as Vice Chancellor of the National Defence University-Kenya, alongside Lt-Gen David Kimaiyo Tarus as Kenya Army Commander, and Lt-Gen Juma Shee Mwinyikai as Commandant of the National Defence College.

Before his promotion to the second highest rank in the military, Lt-Gen Kahariri served as the deputy commandant of the National Defence College. Lt-Gen Mutai previously held the position of Kenya Navy boss, Lt-Gen Tarus was deputy Kenya Army Commander, and Lt-Gen Mwinyikai distinguished himself in Somalia, leading the advance to Kismayo and ensuring security in Jubaland near the Kenyan border.

Currently, only the Kenya Army commander holds the rank of Lt-Gen, while his counterparts command their units as major generals. Gen Ogolla hailed from the Kenya Airforce, while his predecessors, Gen Kibochi and Gen Samson Mwathethe, were from the Kenya Army and Kenya Navy, respectively.

According to the KDF Act, a CDF, their deputy, and service commanders are to serve a single term of four years or retire upon reaching the mandatory retirement age. However, the Act permits the president, upon recommendation of the National Defence Council, to extend the CDF's term by up to one year.

Retirement ages are set at 62 for generals, 61 for Lt-Gens, and 59 for Maj-Gens, with brigadiers retiring at 57. The Act also grants the President the authority to remove, retire, or redeploy the CDF, Vice CDF, or any service commanders before the end of their term.

In appointing the CDF, Vice CDF, and service commanders, the President considers factors such as seniority, military and civilian education, possession of relevant degrees, and military and security experience, as outlined in the KDF Act.

The Defence Council, chaired by the Defence Cabinet Secretary, currently Aden Duale, includes the CDF, the three service commanders of the Defence Forces, and the Defence Principal Secretary, currently held by Patrick Mariru. This council is tasked with overseeing the overall policy, control, and supervision of the Kenya Defence Forces. It also advises the President on matters related to the KDF, formulates overall KDF policy, and monitors its implementation. Additionally, the council exercises oversight over the training or instructions of members of the Defence Forces in any country outside Kenya, among other prescribed functions under national legislation.