The newly promoted Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Muriu Kahariri officially assumed command Tuesday in a ceremonial transition at the Defence headquarters.
The elaborate ceremony marked the formal handover from the late General Francis Ogolla, who tragically perished in an air accident in the Sindar area in Elgeiyo Marakwet County on April 18, 2024.
Kahariri was sworn into office last Friday (May 3), a day after his appointment to make him the country’s 12th CDF.
The change of guard ceremony was held under customary military traditions.
This symbolic transition also included the ceremonial handover of command flags, underscoring the continuity of leadership within the military ranks.
He also inspected a guard of honour meticulously mounted by the Kenya Air Force troops.
It was then followed by a command flag handover ceremony after inspecting the old and new guard troops in line mounted by soldiers from the Tri Serve.
Present during the event were Vice Chief of Defence Forces (VCDF) Lt Gen John Omenda, Service Commanders, Lt Gen David Tarus (Kenya Army), Maj Gen Fatuma Ahmed (Kenya Airforce), and Maj Gen Paul Otieno (Kenya Navy).
Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru among other senior officers included the National Defence College commandant Lt Gen Juma Mwinyikai.
Kahariri later held a meeting with Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale at Ulinzi house offices.
Until his appointment, he has been the VCDF.
Kahariri, in his first assignment, visited the Mai Mahiu flood victims on Saturday, May 4.
Officials said Gen Kahariri was at the place to assess the recovery process following a flooding menace that led to the loss of lives, displacement of people, and destruction of infrastructure.
Maj Gen John Nkomo who is the National Floods Coordination Centre Commander received the new CDF and briefed him on the recovery process.
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika was also at the site.
Kenya Defence Forces and other agencies, including line ministries, departments, and agencies, have been deployed to the area to enhance the search and recovery mission.
In his address, Gen Kahariri said KDF's role is also to sensitize the public in areas that are prone to more flooding and urge them to move to safer places.
“KDF has deployed varied capabilities and is working with the multi-agency teams to support the affected families, including those who have lost their loved ones,” he said.