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Kenya names new military chief


FILE — Kenya's President William Ruto talks during an interview on the sidelines of the IDA for Africa Heads of State Summit at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi, on April 29, 2024.
FILE — Kenya's President William Ruto talks during an interview on the sidelines of the IDA for Africa Heads of State Summit at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi, on April 29, 2024.

NAIROBI, KENYA — Kenyan President William Ruto on Thursday announced that Charles Muriu Kahariri would be the nation’s new defense chief, replacing Francis Omondi Ogolla, who died in a helicopter crash.

Kahariri previously served as his predecessor’s deputy who was about to mark 40-years of military service before his death.

Ogolla, the nation’s former Chief of Defense Forces died on April 18 alongside 10 other military officers after their chopper went down in a remote area in northwestern Kenya.

The promotion of Kahariri to lead the nation’s military was among several appointments announced by Ruto. He also named Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed as commander of the Kenya Air Force.

Ahmed has now made history in Kenya by being the nation's first woman to hold the position.

She replaces John Mugaravai Omenda who was promoted to Vice Chief of the Defense Forces and the rank of lieutenant general.

Major General Paul Owuor Otieno was also named commander of the Kenya Navy.

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