The much anticipated promotions and appointments in the Kenya Defense Forces finally took effect on Monday with President Uhuru Kenyatta making only one promotion of Lieutenant General, the second highest rank in Kenya military.
Contrary to expectations of many, President Uhuru Kenyatta retained Chief of Defense Forces General Samson Mwathethe, whose four-year term expired two weeks ago, extending it by one year.
"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.
General Mwathethe, a Naval officer, was expected to handover to an Army officer following expiry of his term. However, the President exercised his powers in accordance to KDF Act of 2012 by extending Mwathethe's term.
But despite the retention, the president made a raft of changes in KDF, promoting also seven Brigadiers to Major General rank, the third highest ranking in KDF. Also, nine Colonels were promoted to Brigadier rank.
"President Uhuru Kenyatta also held the following recommendations by National Defense Council, chaired by Ambassador Raychelle Omamo, on the promotions, appointment and assignment of the following officers," added the memo.
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)
National Defense Council also promoted nine officers from the rank of Colonel to Brigadier. They were assigned to different battalions and training centers. Such promotions are done after every one year or incase of retirements and senior military promotions.
Curiously, of the 17 promotions and appointments, no woman was in the list. Last year. Brigadier Fatuma Ahmed, became the first ever female offer to be promoted to Major-General rank and was subsequently appointed Assistant Chief of Defense Forces in charge if logistics and operations at Department of Defense.
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