The President also appointed Lieutenant General Levi Mghalu as Vice Chief of Defence Forces, while Major General Jimson Mutai was named the Commander of the Kenya Navy designate.
“The officers are expected to assume office under their new positions, on May 11, 2020,” President Kenyatta said in a statement from State House on Thursday.
Levi was promoted from the rank of Major General to Lieutenant General; while Mutai was promoted from the rank of brigadier to Major General.
Kibochi succeeds General Samson Mwathethe, whom he served under as the vice CDF.
While Mwathethe should have retired in April last year, his term was extended by one year, as the his succession was strategised.
“I look forward to working with these officers closely in service to our motherland. For you, General Mwathethe, I wish you fair winds following seas; and the very best in your future endeavours,” President Kenyatta said.
The President lauded Mwathethe for his leadership in protecting the country’s territory and expanding the military.
“Since your appointment as the Chief of Defence Forces five years ago (May 2015), we have seen significant expansion in our military and enviable improvement in the defence capability of our forces; thus giving Kenyans confidence that their borders are well protected from any external aggression,” the President said in a statement.
“During your tenure, we detected and expunge early enough a number of plans by those who do not mean well for our country, in good time.”
The President also lauded him for his leadership in the Blue Economy Implementation Standing Committee.
Notably, however, there was no woman appointed or promoted in the changes.
This was unlike in July 2018, when President Kenyatta promoted Brigadier Fatuma Ahmed to rank of a Major-General.
