His Excellency Dr. William Ruto, the President of the Republic of Kenya and the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces has early this morning witnessed the swearing in of General Francis Ogolla and Lieutenant General Jonah Mwangi as the new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Vice Chief of Defence Forces respectively.
During the colourful ceremony held at State House, Nairobi, the Head of State congratulated the incoming generals for their merited and well-deserved promotion and appointment.
The President noted that, after assessing the background of the incoming CDF and his contribution in the military over the years, he is convinced that General Ogolla is merited for the new office.
“You have my confidence and that of the government of Kenya to discharge your responsibilities. It is my expectation that the professional standard of the Kenyan military will be observed under your leadership,” said His Excellency the President.
He hailed the incoming VCDF for his growth through the ranks adding that he has what it takes to support the new CDF and provide liaison between the government and the military.
The President further congratulated the outdoing CDF General Robert Kibochi for his outstanding service during his illustrious military career spanning over 44 years, three of which he served as the CDF.
“I want to thank Gen Kibochi for an outstanding service, not just to the military but to the nation of Kenya. You have in both difficult and good times demonstrated leadership and we are very proud of your service,” said the Head of State and wished the outgoing General the very best.
President Ruto exuded confidence in all the newly appointed generals to carry out the responsibilities bestowed upon them saying that he looks forward to working closely with them.
He implored them to maintain and even exceed the high standards set by their predecessors on professionalism and integrity.
H.E Dr. Ruto affirmed that Kenya has a tradition of a military that is professional, outstanding and that has integrity in serving not only the people of Kenya but also our region and the globe at large.
He added that Kenyans looks up to the military to defend and protect the Republic against any external threats and work closely with other security agencies to secure every part of the country facing unrest.
“To the rest of the military fraternity, I will also be calling upon you to support other civilian agencies in the discharge of their responsibilities, deploying the discipline, professionalism and integrity of the military to support the rest of civilian authorities to take Kenya to the next level,” said the Commander-in-Chief.
The swearing in ceremony came just a day after the Head of State appointed Gen Ogolla and Lt Gen Mwangi on the advise of the Defence Council chaired by Defence Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale. Other senior officers promoted to the rank of Major general present at state house were Major General David Kipkemboi Keter, Major General Stephen James Mutuku, Major General John Maison Nkoimo, Major General Abdulkadir Mohammed Burje, and Major General Paul Owuor Otieno.
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