New Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Charles Kahariri sworn in

General Charles Muriu Kahariri has been sworn in as the Chief of Defence Forces at State House, Nairobi.

Kahiriri was sworn in alongside Lt. General John Omenda, who now takes the post of Vice CDF. 

Major General Fatuma Ahmed also took oath on Friday, May 3, as the Kenya Airforce Commander and Brigadier Paul Otieno as the Navy commander, in an event presided over by President William Ruto.

The Head of State appealed to the newly appointed heads against pushing their communities' interests and instead serve all Kenyans in line with their oaths.

"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," Ruto stated.

Ruto spoke on Friday at State House, Nairobi, after the military bosses took the oath of office.

While assuring them of his administration's full backing and goodwill, he told the new chiefs that the authority bestowed on them comes with responsibilities and must be exercised by the law.

"It is my expectation and that of Kenyans that the authority you will exercise will come with enormous acknowledgment of responsibility on your shoulders and the accountability that comes with it." 

The new changes follow the death of General Francis Ogolla, who died in a helicopter crash along with nine other military personnel.