President William Ruto has appointed new commanders for the Kenya Army and the Kenya Air Force in a significant reshuffle within the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), while also promoting a former aide-de-camp to a senior leadership position.
In changes announced on Thursday, Major General David Kipkemboi Keter was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed Commander of the Kenya Army. He takes over from Lieutenant General Peter Mbogo Njiru, who has been reassigned as Vice Chancellor of the National Defence University-Kenya.
At the same time, Major General John Mugaravai Omenda was named Commander of the Kenya Air Force, replacing Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed, who proceeds to retirement after over four decades of service.
Among other key appointments, former presidential aide-de-camp Brigadier Timothy Lekolool was promoted to Major General and appointed as Senior Directing Staff at the National Defence College. Lekolool, who served under former President Uhuru Kenyatta, becomes one of the most high-profile officers to rise from a ceremonial role into strategic command.
Brigadier Joyce Sitienei was also promoted to Major General and appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor for Strategic and Security Studies at the National Defence University-Kenya, while Brigadier Joel Muriungi M’arimi was elevated to Major General and named Commandant of the Kenya Military Academy.
The appointments, made in Ruto’s capacity as Commander-in-Chief, are seen as part of a broader effort to strengthen leadership across the military and inject new energy into the top brass of the armed forces.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale described the changes as strategic and timely, noting that the promotions reflect dedication, discipline, and professional merit within the ranks.
This reshuffle follows President Ruto’s earlier appointments of General Charles Kahariri as Chief of Defence Forces and Lieutenant General John Omenda as Vice Chief of Defence Forces, signalling the administration’s continued push for a modernised and mission-ready military leadership.
The new commanders are expected to play a crucial role in safeguarding national security, advancing military training and education, and reinforcing Kenya’s role in regional stability and peacekeeping operations.
