Ruto Appoints Ex-KDF Officer as KMC Chairperson

by Robinson Ndungu on Friday, 18 November 2022 - 2:03 pm

A collage photo of President William Ruto and KMC Board Chairman LT. Gen. (Rtd.) Joseph Kiptoo Kasoan.

File

President William Ruto, on Friday, November 18, appointed retired Lieutenant General Joseph Kiptoo as the new Chairperson of the Kenya Meat Commission (KMC).

According to a special Gazette notice issued on Friday, November 18, Kiptoo’s was ordered to assume office immediately for a term of three years.

His appointment was reminiscent of immediate former President Uhuru Kenyatta's reliance on military men in managing the operations of various state departments.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 3 (1) (a) of the Kenya Meat Commission Act, I, William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Lt Gen (Rtd) Joseph Kiptoo Kasaon to be the Chairperson of the Board of the Kenya Meat Commission

(KMC)," Ruto directed.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta (in brown shirt) with Defence CS Monica Juma arrive at Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) Landhies Road deport on Monday, May 24, 2021.

File

Kiptoo is remembered for his role in Kenya’s Operation Linda Nchi in Somalia in 2011.

He is specifically credited with recapturing the Port City, Kismayo, from the Al Shabaab.

Jackson Tuwei, another retired Lieutenant General, was also appointed as the Chairperson of the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund Oversight Board for three years.

David Omusotsi was as well appointed to be the Chairperson of the Council of Kenya Utalii College, for three years, with effect from November 18.

Former Taita Taveta Governor John Mruttu was appointed to head the Board of the Agricultural Finance Corporation.

In 2020, Uhuru announced the transfer of the KMC to the Ministry of Defence and directed the military to institute reforms in the commission, which was struggling at the time.

Ruto's allies opposed the decision, arguing that the former head of state was militarizing the nation.

Upon assuming power, President Ruto reverted the commission to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, acknowledged the Executive Order and confirmed that the military would continue with the commission's management in collaboration with other government departments.

"We have no problem with the military, and we will continue to work together," Linturi stated.