Lieutenant General Peter Mbogo Njiru was unveiled as the new army commander at an event held on Monday, August 8, at the Department of Defense in Hurlingham, Nairobi.
Njiru assumed the role after being named by President Uhuru Kenyatta, ending Walter Koipaton's four-year tenure.
His career in the military began on June 24, 1985, when he was enlisted into the Kenya Defence Forces as an Officer Cadet. A year later, Njiru was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant.
The commissioning marked his upward trajectory in the army ranks. Njiru was posted to 77 Arty as a Troop Commander and later was named the commanding officer in the same unit.
During his career at KDF, Njiru held a raft of commands including being responsible for operations, plans, doctrine and training of other military officers.
The highlight of his career was when he served as an aide-de-camp to President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Before serving the Head of State, Njiru served in many capacities, including being an administration officer, adjutant, battery captain and Instructor of the Air Defense Wing.
His achievements span across the border. Njiru served in the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMISS) where he was a Commanding Officer of the Kenyan Battalion and a Staff Officer in the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE).
Due to his illustrious career, President Uhuru Kenyatta awarded Njiru Chief of the Burning Spear(CBS) for his outstanding service to the nation.
Njiru is also considered a think tank in the military as he holds a Master of Arts in International Security and Strategy from Kings College in London.
During the promotions in the military announced by the Head of State, his Aide de Camp Timothy Stelu Lekolool, was promoted to Brigadier.
Others who were elevated in the Kenya Army include Brigadier David Kimaiyo Chemwaina Tarus who is now Major General and will serve as the General Officer commanding the Western Command.
Uhuru promoted Brigadier Juma Shee Mwinyikai as a Major General and appointed him General Officer Commanding Eastern Command.
Brigadier Fredrick Leuria – Promoted to Major General and appointed Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Operations, Plans, Doctrine and Training.
