In what could be an indication of looming reshuffles within Kenya Defense Forces following the expiry of General Samson Mwathethe's tenure, President Uhuru Kenyatta may have after all received a new aide-de-camp.
General Mwathethe's term expired a fortnight ago and is set to be replaced should President Uhuru Kenyatta fail to extend it. Usually, an extension is given when the country is at war. With Kenya not in war currently, the changes in KDF are inevitable.
A photo taken in China where Uhuru paused with Kenyan delegation, a new aide-de-camp is seen behind President Uhuru Kenyatta. He's dressed in Kenya Army official staff attire, an indication that he occupies the rank of Lt Colonel and above as required.
"I leave Beijing confident that Kenya has a dependable team on the ground. Great execution of a successful visit. kudos to Team Kenya, led by Balozi Serem," posted Monica Juma, with a picture of Uhuru and the new aide-de-camp.
But in one of the sessions in China, President Uhuru Kenyatta is seen with Lt Colonel Timothy Stelu, a Navy officer who took over from Lt Colonel Victor Njiru of Army last year in August. The turnout of events could be an indication that Stelu could be promoted.
"During the Business Forum, President Kenyatta invited Chinese investors to partner with the government and local entrepreneurs in setting up businesses in the various Special Economic Zones being developed in areas such as Dongo Kundu in Mombasa, Lamu, Kisumu and Naivasha," State House tweeted in a photo where Stelu is standing behind Uhuru.
Lt Colonel Timothy Stelu became the first aide-de-camp from Navy when he was appointed in August 2018. During the changes, Army Commander Lt General Robert Kibochi was promoted to Vice Chief of Defense Forces and thus, an apparent heir to General Samson Mwathethe.
“President Uhuru Kenyatta has a new Aide-de-Camp (ADC) – Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Stelu Lekolool. Welcome to State House,” tweeted PSCU.
Also last year, Uhuru became the first Head of State in Kenya to have a female aide-de-camp. Lt Colonel Rachael Nduta from Kenya Air Force, was promoted to be Mr Stelu's deputy. She has made a single public appearance with Uhuru.
The latest aide-de-camp becomes the fifth to be Uhuru's personal assistant. Lt Col Peter Njeru served both President Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru until 2017 when he was promoted.