President William Ruto has overseen the swearing-in ceremony of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Muriu Kahariri and other top command officials of the Kenya Defence Forces at State House, Nairobi.
On Thursday, the President promoted Lieutenant General Charles Kahariri to the rank of General and appointed him as the new CDF. Additionally, Major General John Mugaravai Omenda was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed as Vice Chief of the Defence Forces. Omenda, who previously served as the Kenya Air Force Commander, now assumes this new role.
Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed has been appointed as the Kenya Air Force Commander, while Major General Paul Owuor Otieno has been posted to the Kenya Navy and appointed as Commander.
The position of CDF became vacant following the tragic demise of the former Chief of Defense Forces, the late General Francis Ogolla. General Ogolla and nine others lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Elgeyo Marakwet on April 18, 2024.