Gen. Kibochi takes over as the new Kenya Army Commander

Lt. Gen. Robert Kariuki Kibochi has been sworn in as the new Kenya Army Commander at State House, Nairobi in a function presided over by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Lt. Kibochi takes over from Lt. Gen. Leonard Muriuki Ngondi who was moved to the Kenya Defence College as a Commandant.

Lt. Kibochi was appointed in June this year by President Uhuru Kenyatta during a mini-reshuffle in the military.

The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Joseph Kinyua.

President Kenyatta congratulated Lt. General Kibochi on his appointment saying: “As I congratulate you, I ask you to continue in that well treaded path of commitment and dedicated service to the nation, to continue to work in support of the men and women who will be under you.”

“As you start on your new position, count on our support, count on our commitment and count on the fact that every single Kenyan appreciate what the Kenya Defence Forces do to keep the country safe every single day.”

The President also commended the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) for their professionalism and service to the nation, especially in the fight against terrorism and in peace keeping across the continent.

He assured them of full support and urged them to continue in their efforts to secure the country, saying there cannot be prosperity without security and stability.

“As a country, we are proud of you. As a nation, we continue to encourage you and as an administration, I give you my word that we shall continue to give every support to enable you perform your duties,” the President said.

Present at the swearing-in ceremony were Defence Cabinet Secretary, Raychelle Omamo, Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Samson Mwathethe, and Defence Principal Secretary, Amb. Kirimi Kaberia, among other senior government officials.