President William Ruto on Saturday, March 9 sought to explain why he nominated two former Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) Generals to ambassadorial roles.
The Head of State Spoke on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at State House during the swearing-in of the KDF Vice Chief and Service Commanders.
President Ruto appointed Lieutenant Generals Peter Njiru and Jonah Mwangi as High Commissioner and Ambassador through a dispatch released by the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei on Friday, March 8, 2024.
The two who were also present in the ceremony, were appointed to represent Kenya in Pakistan and Iran, which are two war-torn countries in the Middle East.
“I know that I have given you difficult stations. Tehran and Islamabad are not very easy stations, but I know that you are up to that responsibility,” said Ruto.
The head of state acknowledged that the roles to represent Kenya in the two war-torn countries were difficult but affirmed that he believed the generals were best suited.
“That is why I believe that senior citizens like yourself who have wide experience are the best people to man those stations,” he added.
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Ruto further said that he looked forward to the military men working in their new responsibilities, urging them to also mentor the new officers who were coming into office.
Ruto KDF Changes
Generals Njiru and Mwangi were among a list of individuals appointed by President Ruto to the senior ranks of the public service to serve in different roles.
The appointments included those of High Commissioners, Ambassadors, Deputy Heads of Missions, Permanent Representatives and Consul General.
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Following the nominations, head of Public Service Felix Koskei noted that the names were transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval by Parliament.
It is important to note that the nominations of the two Generals came after their roles at KDF came to an end.
General Mwangi is the former Vice Chief of the Defense forces and had been in service for 42 years.
In his place, Major General Charles Muriu Kahariri was appointed to replace him, the appointment seeing him being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General.
Before his appointment, Lieutenant General David Kimaiyo Tarus served as the Deputy Army Commander.
