This archive report was first published on 8 May 2020.
On May 8, 2020, General Samson Mwathethe, the outgoing Chief of the Defence Forces, arrived at the Kenya Army Headquarters in Nairobi to bid farewell to the Kenya Army Personnel. He was received by Commander Lieutenant General Walter Koipaton.
The event marked the end of General Mwathethe's tenure, which spanned one term (four years) plus an additional year extended by President Uhuru Kenyatta. The KDF constitution limits a Chief of Defence Forces to one four-year term, but the President has the discretion to extend the term for up to two years.
General Mwathethe, who hails from the Kenya Navy, will exchange the KDF flag with General Kiboi, who comes from the Kenya Army. The ceremony will also feature a 17-gun salute in honour of General Mwathethe's selfless service to the country.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and other high-ranking government officials, including Defence Cabinet Secretary Dr Monicah Juma, are expected to attend the ceremony. General Robert Kiboi will be sworn in as the new Chief of Defence Forces on Monday, May 12, 2020, at State House in Nairobi.
