Unlike in the past two Kenya Defense Forces promotions and appointments, President Uhuru Kenyatta failed to consider any female soldier, a sharp drift from his past record.
In a memo released by Ministry of Defense, General Samson Mwathethe had his term extended for one year, a move that technically ended careers of two of his likely successors, Lt General Robert Kibochi and Lt General Leonard Ngondi due to their age.
"H. E Uhuru Kenyatta, the President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of armed forces, in consultations with National Defense Council, has extended the term of Chief of Defense Forces General Mwathethe for one year effective 6th May," read a memo by Ministry of Defense.
Uhuru's 'sharp paradigm shift' in the management of KDF affairs came in 2016 when he promoted Colonel Fatuma Ahmed to Brigadier, the first woman in the forces to occupy the rank. Two years later, Uhuru made history again by promoting Mrs Ahmed to Major General rank.
“It is my pride and joy today to launch the first Kenyan woman as a major-general in the republic. I am counting on you to be a role model to the women in this republic and to prove to them that there is no limits for the Kenyan women,” Mr Kenyatta told Maj-Gen Ahmed.
Last year, the Commander-in-Chief of armed forces also had Lt Colonel Rachael Nduta appointed as assistant aide-de-camp, the first ever woman to occupy the post since independence. The president has been encouraging women leadership.
But in the 17 promotions made on Monday, no woman was elevated by the president to a higher rank. In the appointments, one officer was promoted to Lt General rank while seven others were made Major Generals. Nine officers were elevated to Brigadier rank.
The biggest beneficiary was Major General Adan Mulata, who was promoted to Lt General and appointed Commandant National Defense College. NDC is the most lucrative KDF training center.
Officers who were promoted from Brigadier to Major General ranks include: Joseph Mutui ( General Officer Commanding Western Command), Maina Mwangi (Assistant Chief of Defense Forces in charge of Operations, Training and Doctrine), Albert Kiprop ( Commandant Kenya Military College).
Others are: George Kiguta (Director of Medical Services), Abdalla Badi (Senior Directing Staff Air, NDC), Martin Kizito (Commandant Defense Staff College) and Mohammed Farah (Director of Military Intelligence)