President William Ruto appointed fresh leadership across Kenya's military branches after a defense council meeting Monday. The president promoted Major General David Kipkemboi Ketter to Lieutenant General and made him the new Army commander. Ketter takes over from Lieutenant General David Kimaiyo Chemwaina Tarus who moved to lead the National Defence University as Vice Chancellor. The new Army chief previously served as Assistant Chief of Defence Forces handling personnel and logistics matters. His appointment positions him as a potential successor to General Charles Kahariri as Chief of Defence Forces.
The president also selected Major General Benard Waliaula to command the Kenya Air Force. Waliaula replaces Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed who completed 42 years of military service. He previously directed the Defence National Security Industries before receiving his new assignment. The changes follow rotation patterns established under the Tonje Rules for military leadership succession. Army leadership traditionally follows Navy command according to these established guidelines.
Several other officers received promotions and new assignments during the restructuring process. Brigadier Joel Muriungi M'arimi became Major General and Commandant of Kenya Military Academy. Brigadier Joyce Chelang'at Sitienei earned promotion to Major General and appointment as Deputy Vice Chancellor at the National Defence University. Defence Cabinet Secretary Roselinda Soipan Tuya advised the president on the appointments through the Defence Council. General Kahariri continues serving as Chief of Defence Forces with at least two years remaining under the four-year term limit.
The president also selected Major General Benard Waliaula to command the Kenya Air Force. Waliaula replaces Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed who completed 42 years of military service. He previously directed the Defence National Security Industries before receiving his new assignment. The changes follow rotation patterns established under the Tonje Rules for military leadership succession. Army leadership traditionally follows Navy command according to these established guidelines.
Several other officers received promotions and new assignments during the restructuring process. Brigadier Joel Muriungi M'arimi became Major General and Commandant of Kenya Military Academy. Brigadier Joyce Chelang'at Sitienei earned promotion to Major General and appointment as Deputy Vice Chancellor at the National Defence University. Defence Cabinet Secretary Roselinda Soipan Tuya advised the president on the appointments through the Defence Council. General Kahariri continues serving as Chief of Defence Forces with at least two years remaining under the four-year term limit.
