Robert Kibochi appointed to replace Samson Mwathethe as Chief of Defence Forces

A round of new appointments by President Uhuru Kenyatta have seen Robert Kibochi take over from Samson Mwathethe as the Chief of Defence Forces.

Mwathethe who has been Chief of Defence Forces for five years will be bowing out of service after 42 years.

The new appointments which will take effect on May 11 will see Kibochi deputised by Navy Commander Major General Levi Mghalu who has been promoted to Lt. General and appointed the vice Chief of Defence Forces.

The appointments announced on Thursday have also seen Major General Jimson Mutai promoted as the Commander of the Kenyan Navy.

President Uhuru Kenyatta praised Mwathethe as a dedicated service man who displayed exemplary discipline during his 5-year stint.

“Since your appointment as the Chief of Defence Forces five years ago (May 2015), we have seen significant expansion in our military and enviable improvement in the defence capability of our forces;thus giving Kenyans confidence that their borders are well protected from any external aggression,” President Uhuru said.

He cited the Blue Economy as one of Mwathethe’s biggest achievement. During his tenure, Mwathethe was the Chairman of the Implementation Standing Committee.

The new Chief of Defence Forces Gen Kibochi has been in the military for the last 39 years and has served as Vice Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces since 2018.

Among other honoraries, he holds a Master’s degree in International Studies and computer-based information systems.

The UK-schooled General is currently pursuing a PhD in Peace and Conflict Management and is remembered for commandeering Kenyan forces on peace-keeping mission to Sierra Leona circa 2000.