President William Ruto has made bold changes to the top ranks of Kenya’s military, reshaping leadership in the Kenya Army and Kenya Air Force.
In a move seen as strategic and impactful, the reshuffle on Friday, June 27, also included fresh appointments at the Kenya Military Academy and the National Defence University of Kenya.
The changes reflect a deeper recalibration of military command, coming at a time when Kenya faces growing security demands both regionally and at home. Observers see this as a signal of Ruto tightening his grip on national defence.
Ruto Makes Changes to Key Military Leadership Across Top Units
The Ministry of Defence announced that President Ruto has promoted Major General David Kipkemboi Ketter to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed him the new Commander of the Kenya Army.
Ketter replaces Lieutenant General David Kimaiyo Chemwaina Tarus, who has now been redeployed to serve as Vice Chancellor at the National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K). Prior to his appointment, Lieutenant General Ketter served as Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics.
The President also appointed Major General Benard Waliaula as the new Commander of the Kenya Air Force. He replaces Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed, who retires after an impressive 42-year career in the military. Waliaula previously held the position of Director of Defence National Security Industries.
These appointments mark a reshuffling of strategic leadership, with new commanders taking over key operational commands that define Kenya’s defensive strength and military readiness.
Military Academy and Defence University Also Reshaped
Beyond the core branches of the military, President Ruto has also restructured leadership at the Kenya Military Academy and NDU-K.
Brigadier Joel Muriungi M’arimi was promoted to the rank of Major General and appointed as the new Commandant of the Kenya Military Academy. M’arimi had been serving as the Commander of the Armoured Brigade, a vital combat unit in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
His elevation signals trust in seasoned ground commanders to shape future cadets and military officers.
Ruto also promoted Brigadier Joyce Chelang’at Sitienei to the rank of Major General. She will now serve as Deputy Vice Chancellor at the Centre for Strategic and Security Studies, housed within the National Defence University-Kenya. Previously, she led the International Peace Support Centre, a post that gave her global exposure and experience in peacekeeping.
Strategic Significance and What It Signals
This shake-up in the military’s top command is more than just routine. It signals President Ruto’s strategic effort to install trusted figures in key roles, especially in areas concerning military education, international strategy, and frontline command.
Analysts say the appointments reflect a need to modernize the military, support regional peacekeeping roles, and strengthen internal command structures.
With rising tensions in parts of East Africa and increasing pressure at home due to protests and unrest, Kenya’s leadership wants a ready and reliable military command structure.
