The newly appointed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Omondi Ogolla was today morning sworn in into office at a ceremony at State House, Nairobi.
Also, Lieutenant General Jonah Maina Mwangi was also sworn in as Vice Chief of Defence Forces.
This comes a day after their appointment by president William Ruto following recommendations by the Defence Council chaired by Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale which also recommended promotion of other high ranking military officers.
General Ogolla replaces outgoing CDF General Robert Kariuki Kibochi whose tenure came to an end after attaining the retirement age of 62 years.
Gen Kibochi exits after serving in the military for 44 years.
General Ogolla was, until the appointment was serving as the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF).
During today’s ceremony at State House, president Ruto urged the leadership of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to uphold the integrity of the military.
He asked the newly-appointed team to uphold the Constitution and serve Kenyans without bias.
“Kenya has a tradition of a diligent, professional and outstanding military.” The president said.
He also called upon the armed forces to support other agencies to advance the country’s transformation agenda.
“I am confident that you [General Ogolla] merit the Office.” He added.
Lieutenant General Jonah Mwangi was also sworn in as the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces.
Prior to his promotion and appointment, Lieutenant General Mwangi was the Vice Chancellor of the National Defence University – Kenya.
The President also appointed Major General Abdulkadir Mohammed Burje (Director Military Intelligence (DMI), Major General David Kipkemboi Keter (Assistant Chief of the Defence Forces Personnel and Logistics (ACDF P&L), Major General David Kimaiyo Tarus (Deputy Commander Kenya Army), Major General Jeff Mungai Nyagah (General Officer Western Command (GOC WESTCOM), and Major General William Karisa Shume (General Officer Border Security Command (GOC BSC)).
Others Major General Alphaxard Muthuri Kiugu (Force Commander East Africa Community Regional Force FC EACRF -DRC), Major General Said Mohamed Farah (Vice Chancellor National Defence University- Kenya), Major General Paul Owuor Otieno (Managing Director Kenya Shipyards Limited), Major General Stephen James Mutuku (Senior Directing Staff (Army) National Defence College), Major General Eric Mbugua Kinuthia (Senior Directing Staff Air, National Defence College), and Major General John Maison Nkoimo (Commandant Joint Command Staff College (JCSC)).
Also appointed were Brigadier Yahya Abdi (Deputy Commander Kenya Navy), Brigadier Alfred Mwihuri Gitonga (Director National Military Coordination Centre), and Brigadier Anthony Rotich (Commander Military Intelligence Corps).
Among those present were Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Cabinet Secretaries Aden Duale (Defence) and Kindiki Kithure (Interior) were present at top military officers.
