Uhuru appoints new KDF chief in latest military reshuffles

NAIROBI, Kenya - Lt. General Robert Kibochi will take over as Kenya's Chief of Defense Forces, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced on Thursday, following an impending retirement of Gen. Samson Mwathethe, whose term expires on May 11.

While making the much-anticipated changes, Uhuru also promoted was Navy Commander Major General Levi Mghalu who was named Vice Chief of Defence Forces to take over from Gen Kibochi. Maj Gen Jimson Mutai was named the new Kenya Navy commander.

The changes were made following a meeting with the National Defense Council, which reviews contracts of senior military officials, recommending promotions or appointments, depending on the occasion.

Gen. Mwathethe, a Navy man who took over in 2015 from Gen. Julius Karangi, was after all expected to retire, having served for a single term of 4 years with a further extension of one year, which was effected last year on May. His military career spanned over 42 years.

In his statement, Uhuru praised Mwathethe, noting significant "expansion" and "enviable" improvement in defense capacity of forces, something which has given Kenyans confidence that their borders are secure from external aggression.

“During your tenure, we detected and expunged early enough a number of plans by those who do not mean well for our country in good time. You proved that you are not just a military man but a well-rounded person, with the capacity to provide quality leadership in other initiatives of national importance,” he said.

As the CDF for the Kenya Defense Forces [KDF] Gen. Mwathethe is credited for among others, launching of welfare centers, a rehabilitation center, national defense, and gender policies and a food processing factory, as well as establishment of the first military barracks in North Eastern and KDF's rapid modernization.

Last year, KDF launched Modika Barracks within Garissa, whose purpose would be steering security along the porous Kenya-Somalia border. The barracks, which is the home to 6th Brigade, will also serve as forwarding Operating Base in case of emergencies, Mwathethe had said.

Also, he's been instrumental in gender mainstreaming within the KDF, with his leadership paving way for promotion of more women. For instance, in 2018, KDF produced the first woman to serve as a Major General, Ms. Fatuma Ahmed, who joined the military in the 80s.

But despite his tremendous achievement, Mwathethe's mixed legacy may be detented with the misfortunes in Somalia, where KDF has fairly suffered under the hands of Al-Shabaab. Throughout his period as CDF, close to 300 troops were killed mainly in El-Adde and Kulbiyow.

Gen. Kibochi, who will now serve for the next four years, has been serving as Vice Chief of Defense Forces since 2018. He previously served as Commander of the Kenya Army and the Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Operations, Plans, Doctrine and Training.

He commanded the Kenyan contingent in the UN Mission to Sierra Leone from 2000 to 2001. Gen. Kibochi holds a Master’s degree in International Studies and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in conflict management, his CV reads.

Among his top priorities would be an implementation of Somalia exit plan, which is part of the AMISOM strategy to leave Somalia by 2021. At the moment, KDF has close to 3,500 troops under the AU mission, who are mainly stationed within Jubaland state.

But perhaps the most daunting task would be overseeing President Uhuru's transition in 2022. Despite its gains in democracy, Kenya's politics are fluid and during such periods, chaotic elections determine successions.

Other notable promotions include Maj Gen Albert Kendagor who was appointed deputy commander Kenya Army, Brigadier John Omenda appointed as Kenya Air Force Deputy Commander, Colonel Lawrence Gituma promoted to Brigadier and appointed deputy commander Kenya Navy.

The President said, “I look forward to working with these officers closely in service to our motherland. For you, General Mwathethe, I wish you fair winds following seas; and the very best in your future endeavors."

Brigadier William Shume was promoted to Maj Gen and appointed General officer commanding security command while Brig Peter Njiru was promoted to Maj-Gen and appointed commander Kenya Military Academy.

Brig Solomon Manambo was promoted to Maj-Gen and appointed Managing Director Ordinance Factories Corporation while Brig Charles Kahariri was promoted to Maj Gen and appointed senior directing staff maritime national defense college.

Brig Rashid Abdi Elmi was promoted to Maj Gen and appointed senior directing staff air national defense college while Colonel Maroa Gati was promoted Brigadier and appointed commandant recruit training school. Col. Dr. Milton Obilo was promoted to Brig and appointed chief of medical services defense headquarters.

Military promotions and appointments are important occasions not only in Kenya but also across the world. Kenya has been involved in an active war within Somalia since 2011 when it first invaded the war-torn nation in pursuit of Al-Shabaab under the Operation Linda Nchi.

GAROWE ONLINE