President William Ruto has told newly promoted Kenya Defence Forces commanders that their new positions come with the weighty duty of protecting the country’s security, borders, and public confidence in the military.

Speaking on Saturday at State House, Nairobi, during the investiture of the new military leadership, Ruto said their rise to top ranks was not a favour, but a result of merit, integrity, and service to the nation.

“I have meticulously observed and with a lot of diligence I looked at your career progression, and I am satisfied that the ranks you now occupy are merited by your service, your commitment and your integrity,” he said.

The President urged the newly appointed commanders to uphold the values and discipline that define KDF, saying their actions would directly impact national peace and daily life for millions of Kenyans.

“It is my expectation and that of the people of Kenya that you will discharge your responsibilities in the interest of our nation, for the benefit of millions of our citizens and in ensuring the safety of our borders and the integrity of our boundaries,” he said.

He said the officers are now part of a team tasked with safeguarding Kenya’s sovereignty, adding that the government will stand by them.

“You join the other service commanders and the CDF and his vice as you provide leadership in our Kenya Defence Forces,” Ruto said. “I want to give you my assurance of my support and my assistance whenever you need as you discharge the heavy but noble responsibility.”

Ruto also reminded the officers of the strong traditions they are expected to carry forward.

“We must never compromise on the high standards that have been set by your predecessors, by tradition and by history,” he said.

“I believe that you have the requisite leadership to be able to preserve the place of the Kenya Defence Forces and the professionalism and integrity that have been witnessed over the years.”

He added that national stability allows Kenyans to go about their lives without fear.

“To ensure that we have a stable and peaceful environment for the citizens of Kenya to be able to undertake their responsibilities, to carry out their businesses, and to make sure that they can go to work and serve this nation in various capacities.”

Ruto pledged continued investment in military resources and support systems.

“We will continue to work together to ensure that the Kenya Defence Forces becomes the professional entity that it has always been known over the years,” he said.

“We provide the equipment, the logistics, the human capital necessary for the Kenya Defence Forces to discharge the responsibility and mandate that you have.”

He also acknowledged the role of families who support the military officers behind the scenes.

“To the families, thank you very much for praying for our nation. Thank you very much for praying for these generals and senior officers,” he said.

“We have agreed on how we are also going to make sure that the conditions under which they serve are in a way that will reduce the responsibility and requirements on the families.”

The remarks came a day after Ruto made sweeping changes in the top military ranks through a dispatch by the Ministry of Defence Director of Communication, Temesi Mukani.

Major General David Ketter was promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed Commander, Kenya Army.

He takes over from Lieutenant General David Tarus, who has been redeployed to serve as Vice Chancellor at the National Defence University of Kenya.

Major General Bernard Waliaula was appointed Commander, Kenya Air Force, replacing Major General Fatuma Ahmed who retired after 42 years of service.

Other promotions and appointments included:

•Brigadier Joel Marimi to Major General, now Commandant of the Kenya Military Academy

•Brigadier Joyce Sitienei to Major General, now Deputy Vice Chancellor for Strategic and Security Studies at the National Defence University

•Brigadier Faustino Lobaly to Major General, now Director of National Defence Security Industries

•Brigadier Charles Mwazighe to Major General, now Director of the International Peace Support Centre

•Brigadier Mohamed Iddi to Major General, now Director at the Directorate of Oversight, Compliance and Accountability

•Brigadier Edward Rugendo to Major General, now Director of Personnel and Logistics

•Brigadier Richard Mwanzia to Major General, now Senior Directing Staff, Army at the National Defence College

•Colonel Said Mwacharo to Brigadier, now Chief of Infrastructure

•Colonel Meshack Kishoyian to Brigadier, now Commander 6 Brigade