[PHOTOS]: Promotion of Army chiefs at State House, Nairobi

President William Ruto presided over the investiture of ranks and swearing-in of newly promoted and appointed Kenya Defence Forces officers at State House, Nairobi on June 28, 2025/PCS

President William Samoei Ruto on Friday presided over the investiture of ranks and swearing in of newly promoted and appointed Kenya Defence Forces officers at State House, Nairobi.

The event came after the President effected new postings, promotions and appointments of the General Officers pursuant to the Kenya Defence Forces Act.

Major General David Ketter was named the new Commander of the Kenya Army, earning the rank of Lieutenant General.

The changes followed recommendations by the Defence Council chaired by Defence Cabinet Secretary Roselinda Soipan Tuya.Military officers at the investiture of ranks and swearing in of newly promoted and appointed Kenya Defence Forces officers at State House, Nairobi on June 28, 2025/PCS

In the reshuffle, Ketter took over from Lieutenant General David Kimaiyo Chemwaina Tarus, who was redeployed to serve as Vice Chancellor of the National Defence University, Kenya (NDU-K).

Until his elevation, Ketter served as the Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics.Investiture of ranks and swearing in ceremony of newly promoted and appointed Kenya Defence Forces officers at State House, Nairobi on June 28, 2025/PCS.

The President also appointed Major General Benard Waliaula as the new Commander of the Kenya Air Force.

She replaced Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed, who retires after a "distinguished" 42-year career.

Waliaula previously served as Director of Defence National Security Industries.

In other changes, Brigadier Joel Muriungi M’arimi has been promoted to Major General and named Commandant of the Kenya Military Academy.

He previously led the Armoured Brigade.

The President's ADC Fabian Lengusuranga also earned a promotion from Colonel to Brigadier.

ADC Fabian Lengusuranga being conferred with the rank of Brigadier at State House, Nairobi, June 27, 2025. /PCS

ADC Fabian Lengusuranga. /PCS

President William Ruto presides over the investiture of ranks and swearing in of newly promoted military officers at State House, Nairobi, June 27, 2025. /PCS

President William Ruto presiding over the Investiture of ranks and swearing of newly promoted and appointed Kenya Defence Forces officers at State House, Nairobi on June 28, 2025/PCS

Also promoted was Brigadier Joyce Chelang’at Sitienei, who now holds the rank of Major General and will serve as the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Centre for Strategic and Security Studies at NDU-K.

She formerly served as Director of the International Peace Support Centre.

The President has further ratified additional promotions, postings, and appointments across the KDF as recommended by the Defence Council.President William Ruto presiding over the Investiture of ranks and swearing of newly promoted and appointed Kenya Defence, June 27, 2025. /PCS

Military officers at the Investiture of ranks and swearing ceremony of newly promoted and appointed Kenya Defence Forces officers at State House, Nairobi on June 27, 2025/PCS