Chief of Defence Forces Mwathethe Replaced

Lt-Gen Robert Kariuki Kibochi during his swearing-in as Army commander on Thursday, September 22, 2019.
Lt-Gen Robert Kariuki Kibochi during his swearing-in as Army commander on Thursday, September 22, 2019.
Daily Nation

President Uhuru Kenyatta has appointed Lieutenant General Robert Kariuki Kibochi as the new Chief of Defence Forces.

Through a statement issued on Thursday, April 30, the head of state appointed a former deputy of General Samson Mwathethe to succeed him.

"Further to these promotions and in line with the recommendation by the Defence Council, I have today made the following appointments; Gen Robert Kibochi to Chief of Defence Forces," the statement reads in part.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Lieutenant General Robert Kibochi.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Lieutenant General Robert Kibochi.
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President Kenyatta further appointed Lt. Gen Levi Mghalu to the role of Vice Chief of Defence Forces and Major General Jimson Mutai as the new Commander of the Kenya Navy.

The officers will be expected to assume their respective offices effective May 11, 2020.

"Finally, let me say, I look forward to working with these officers closely in service to our motherland. For you General Mwathethe, I wish you fair winds following seas; and the very best in your future endeavours," President Kenyatta stated

The head of state heaped praise on the outgoing KDF boss, acknowledging him for the exemplary service during his tenure.

"Since your appointment as the Chief of Defence Forcesfive years ago (May 2015)we have seen significant expansion in our military and enviable improvement in the defence capability of our forces;thus giving Kenyans confidence that their borders are well protected from any external aggression,” he remarked.

President Kenyatta highlighted the milestones in blue economy as a career mark in Mwathethe's service, as he was the Implementation Standing Committee chairperson .

He asserted that the committee had made enormous contribution towards the realisation of the country's economic goals.

Once fully completed and operationalthis will, indeed, enable us, as a country, exploit the potential we have in the blue economyand consequently create thousands of jobs for our young men and womenIt is my hope that you and I will continue collaborate in this effort,” President Kenyatta stated.

Chief of Defence Forces Lieutenant General Robert Kariuki Kibochi.
Chief of Defence Forces Lieutenant General Robert Kariuki Kibochi.
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