President makes changes in military

By Martin Mutua

President Kibaki on Tuesday made several changes in the military by promoting top-level officers and making postings following recommendations by the Defence Council.

Two brigadiers have been promoted to the rank of Major General.

At the same time the President also appointed Major General S N Karanya as the deputy force commander operations African Mission in Somalia (Amisom) pending approval by the AU Commission on Wednesday.

In the army, Brigadier J K Rono was   promoted to Major General and appointed General Officer Commanding, Eastern Command

Brigadier L Tumbo was also promoted to the same rank  and appointed the Managing Director, Kenya Ordinance Factory in Eldoret.

President’s aide

And the immediate former aide de camp to Kibaki Colonel J L Mrashui was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Personnel.

Others promoted to the rank of Brigadier are: Colonel C Otiato, Colonel A K Angogo, Colonel R G Kabage, Colonel B Biwott, Colonel W K Koipaton and Colonel I H Sora.

The President also promoted officers in the Air Force with Colonel I A Kanchoro   becoming Brigadier and appointed Senior Directing Staff (Air) and Colonel F O Ogolla promoted to Brigadier and appointed Base Commander, Laikipia Air Base

In the Navy only Lt Colonel G W Mbithi and Lt Colonel D N Kamuri were promoted to the rank of colonels.

Major General G N Kyaka and Major General A M Rob are to proceed on leave pending retirement upon having attained their mandatory retirement age in October and December 2012 respectively.