Serve Kenyans, not your communities: Ruto tells new CDF and VCDF

President William Ruto has warned the newly appointed Chief of Defense Forces, General Charles Kahariri, and his Vice President John Omenda, not to pressure the interests of their communities.

Ruto told the new military chiefs that their mandate is to serve all Kenyans equally, regardless of their regions or beliefs.

“Let me repeat for the avoidance of doubt and in accordance with your oaths of office that you will serve the people of Kenya. None of you have been appointed to serve your communities, regions, beliefs or any other partisan activity. Your mandate and responsibility is to the people of Kenya,” he said.

The Head of State spoke on Friday at State House in Nairobi, after the military chiefs were sworn in.

Ruto reminded them that the mission they had been given was to serve the Republic and the people of Kenya.

He said they must always remember that it is a solemn responsibility and they will exercise authority, which comes with enormous responsibility.

“Responsibility comes with accountability. It is my expectation and that of Kenyans that the authority they will exercise will come with a huge recognition of responsibility on their shoulders and the accountability that comes with it.”

The President also assured them that they have his full support even as they take up their new jobs.

Ruto added that they count on his goodwill and that of Kenyans.

“They have my support, my prayers and my goodwill as they carry out their responsibilities and the people of Kenya have enormous goodwill towards the military,” he said.

“As for the rest, I want to congratulate you and your families for the responsibilities you have assumed.”

In the promotions carried out on Thursday, The Deputy Chief of the Defense Forces, Charles Muriu Kahariri, was promoted to general and appointed Chief of the Defense Forces.

The commander of the Kenya Air Force, Major General John Omenda, was promoted and appointed vice chief of the Defense Forces.

Major General Fatuma Ahmed was appointed Commander of the Kenya Air Force to succeed Major General Omenda.

Brigadier Paul Otieno, CEO of Kenya Shipyards Limited, was promoted to Major General and appointed Commander of the Kenya Navy, replacing Major General Thomas Ng’ang’a, who had held the position for a month.

Major General Ng’ang’a was transferred to the National Defense University and appointed vice chancellor of administration and finance.

Brigadier Peter Githinji was promoted to Major General and appointed Senior Management Staff of the National Defense College.

Brigadier George Okumu was promoted to Major General and appointed Director General of Kenya Ordinance Factories Corporation and Food Processing Factory, while Brigadier Samuel Kipkorir was appointed Deputy Commander of the Kenya Air Force.