Gen Robert Kibochi has been sworn in as the new Chief of Defence Forces at State House, Nairobi in a ceremony witnessed by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
General Kibochi takes over the leadership of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) from General (rtd) Samson Mwathethe.
Gen Kibochi joined the military over three decades ago where he rose from 2nd Lieutenant (the lowest officer rank) to the highest officer rank of a General.
Speaking during the ceremony, President Kenyatta commended the KDF for upholding merit and professionalism which he said 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
The Head of State exuded confidence that with commitment and determination the new military top brass led by General Kibochi will protect and defend the territorial integrity of Kenya even as the country deals with modern security challenges and other natural occurrences.
Uhuru said Gen Kibochi was taking over from Mwathethe who rendered exemplary service to the nation in the 42 years and 90 days he served in the military.
“I am confident that you will steer our Defence Forces with steady hands. You take over from General Samson Mwathethe, who has served this nation selflessly, with loyalty and dedication. I expect no less from the incoming team and neither do the citizens of this country.
“You are taking the mantle of leadership at the KDF at a time when the country, region and the world is confronted by a number of threats and risks. Apart from the terrorist threat that faces us we are confronting Covid-19, the floods, and the locusts invasion,” the President told the new CDF.
He commended Gen (rtd) Mwathethe for his selfless service to the nation.
“General Mwathethe, as you revert to being a civilian, as a retired CDF, you must do so with pride because you have served well. I also hope that you will remain available to your colleagues, whenever they may need your counsel,” President Kenyatta said.
The recently appointed military chiefs among them Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen Levi Mghalu and Commander of the Kenya Navy, Major General Jimson Mutai were also sworn in at the colourful military ceremony attended by Defence Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma, outgoing CDF General (rtd) Samson Mwathethe and Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai.
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