General Kahariri Assumes Command as Kenya’s New Chief of Defence Forces(Photos)
General Charles Muriu Kahariri took command as the new Chief of Defence Forces in a ceremony held at the Defence headquarters on Tuesday.
The ceremony was a formal transition from the late General Francis Ogolla, who died in a plane crash in Elgeiyo Marakwet County on April 18, 2024.
Kahariri was sworn in on May 3, becoming the country’s 12th CDF a day after his appointment.
The change of command was conducted according to military traditions.
The ceremony also involved the formal handover of command flags, symbolizing the continuity of military leadership.
Kahariri inspected a guard of honor presented by Kenya Air Force troops.
After reviewing the guard troops, Kahariri participated in the handover of the command flag.
High-ranking officials like Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen John Omenda and service commanders Lt Gen David Tarus, Maj Gen Fatuma Ahmed, and Maj Gen Paul Otieno attended the event.
Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru and Lt Gen Juma Mwinyikai, the National Defence College commandant, were also present.
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Kahariri met with Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale at Ulinzi House offices after the ceremony.
Before his promotion, Kahariri served as the Vice Chief of Defence Forces.
On May 4, Kahariri visited the Mai Mahiu flood victims as his first assignment.
Officials said Kahariri assessed the recovery process following the floods that caused deaths, displacement, and damage.
Maj Gen John Nkomo, head of the National Floods Coordination Centre, received Kahariri and updated him on the recovery efforts.
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika was also present at the site.
The Kenya Defence Forces and other government agencies have been working together in the flood-hit area to aid in search and recovery.
Gen Kahariri stated that KDF’s role includes educating the public in flood-prone areas and urging them to relocate to safer locations.
“KDF has deployed a range of capabilities and is working with multi-agency teams to support affected families.”
General Kahariri Assumes Command as Kenya’s New Chief of Defence Forces(Photos)
