Lieutenant Gen. Peter Njiru has officially taken over as the Kenya Army Commander replacing Lieutenant General Walter Koipaton.
Njiru was sworn in on July 27, 2022 in a ceremony witnessed by President Kenyatta at State House Nakuru.
"I'm joining a working system and will continue with the same trajectory Kenya Army has been following under the leadership of General Koipaton," Gen. Njiru said.
Koipaton is retiring upon completion of four years of duty following his appointment on July 13, 2018.
"My comfort is the experience General Njiru has in diverse fields makes him capable to take charge in the current dynamic and conflict defence and security environment," Koipaton said in his last speech.
"As I leave, I'll be commanding my family. My wife will be my deputy. At this old age, I cannot take new responsibilities," he said.
Koipaton told the soldiers that integrity and honestly are the greatest armory they'll need to grow.
"I urge you, to take care of your family because as you leave service, they will be the only people who will be with you," the General beseeched the soldiers.
The handover ceremony was held at the Ngao Garden at the headquarters of the Department of Defence.
After the speeches, both the outgoing and incoming commanders will inspect the old and the new guards, starting with the old.
At the end of the parade, the two will exchange the Kenya Army flags and plant symbolic trees.
"I came in as a young man with Afro bell-bottoms and platforms that we had before. As I handover the power, this power can only be good if it serves the purpose to which it was created," Gen. Koipaton said.
He asked his successor to work towards a cohesive united army to shield Kenyans as he takes charge.
Njiru was enlisted into the military as an Officer Cadet on May 14, 1982, and commissioned as an officer April 14, 1983.
After completion of his training, he was posted to the 3rd Kenya Rifles as a platoon commander and served in various appointments including Officer Commanding and later as Commanding Officer.