On 11 May 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta witnessed the swearing in of General Robert Kibochi as the new Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces (CDF) at State House, Nairobi.
General Kibochi takes over the leadership of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) from General Samson Mwathethe, who served as CDF for five years before retiring.
Speaking during the ceremony, President Kenyatta commended the KDF for upholding merit and professionalism, which has enabled the institution to have a predictable and stable career management system for its officers, servicemen, and women.
"I commend the Cabinet Secretary and the Ministry of Defence team for ensuring a seamless transition. This signals our maturity in governance and strong belief in civil transfer of power, as envisaged in our constitution," the President said.
As part of their contribution to the national fight against Coronavirus, KDF donated Shs 102 million to the Kenya Covid-19 Fund, money raised from voluntary salary cuts within the military.
Head of Public Service Dr Joseph Kinyua conducted the swearing in ceremony, which was attended by Defence Cabinet Secretary Dr Monica Juma, outgoing CDF General Samson Mwathethe, and Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai.
The ceremony also saw the swearing in of Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen Levi Mghalu and Commander of the Kenya Navy, Major General Jimson Mutai.
