• Ruto insisted that the positions they now hold are not for them to serve their communities or faiths, but all Kenyans.
• He reminded that the assignments bestowed on them is to serve the Republic and the people of Kenya.
President William Ruto has cautioned the newly appointed Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri and his Vice John Omenda against pushing their communities' interests. https://rb.gy/516qb3
Image: PCS
President William Ruto has cautioned the newly appointed Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri and his Vice John Omenda against pushing their communities' interests.
Ruto told the new military bosses that their mandate is to serve all Kenyans equally regardless of their regions or faiths.
"Let me repeat for the avoidance of doubt and in line with your oaths of office that you will serve the people of Kenya. None of you has been appointed to serve your communities, regions, faiths or any other partisan pursuit. Your mandate and responsibility is to the people of Kenya," he said.
The Head of State spoke on Friday at State House, Nairobi, after the military bosses took the oath of office.
Ruto reminded them that the assignment bestowed on them was to serve the Republic and the people of Kenya.
He said that they must always remember that it is a solemn responsibility and they will exercise authority, which comes with huge responsibility.
"Responsibility comes with accountability. It is my expectation and that of Kenyans that the authority you will exercise will come with enormous acknowledgement of responsibility on your shoulders and the accountability that comes with it."
The President also assured them that they have his full backing even as they take on their new jobs.
Ruto added that they have his goodwill and the goodwill of Kenyans.
"You have my support, my prayers, and my goodwill as you discharge your responsibilities and the people of Kenya have tremendous goodwill for the military," he said.
"Otherwise I want to congratulate you and your families for the responsibilities that you have assumed."
In promotions made on Thursday, Vice Chief of Defence Forces Charles Muriu Kahariri was Promoted to General and named the Chief of Defence Forces.
Kenya Airforce commander Major General John Omenda was promoted and named the Vice Chief of Defence Forces.
Major General Fatuma Ahmed was named the Commander of Kenya Airforce to succeed Maj Gen Omenda.
Brigadier Paul Otieno, Managing Director for Kenya Shipyards Limited was promoted to Major General and named the commander of Kenya Navy replacing Major General Thomas Ng'ang'a who had served in the position for a month.
Maj Gen Ng'ang'a was moved to the National Defence University and appointed the Vice Chancellor of administration and finance.
Brig Peter Githinji was promoted to Major General and named senior directing staff at the National Defence College.
Brig George Okumu was promoted to Major General and named the Managing Director of Kenya Ordinance Factories Corporation and Food Processing Factory while Brigadier Samuel Kipkorir was appointed the deputy commander of Kenya Air Force.