Joff Otieno retires as Air Force commander in military shake-up

The Kenya Air Force commander, Major-General Joff Otieno, retired on Wednesday on age grounds.

He was succeeded by Maj-Gen Samuel Ng’ang’a Thuita, who was promoted from the rank of brigadier and transferred from Defence headquarters, where he was vice-chief of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) responsible for logistics and personnel.

Maj-Gen Samuel Wesonga Nandwa will take over as the Assistant Chief of Defence Forces responsible for personnel and logistics.

The succession also saw the Air Force get a new Deputy Commander — Brigadier Francis Omondi Ogolla — a fighter pilot.

Moi Air Base will now be commanded by Col Mohamed Abdalla Badi, while the new commander for the Laikipia Air Base will be Brig Eric Kinuthia.

There were also new commanders for the Eastern and Western commands in the major changes effected by the Defence Council, which is chaired by Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo and endorsed by President Uhuru Kenyatta, according to an announcement from Department of Defence headquarters.

Maj-Gen Otieno, an engineer, is a decorated officer who played a major role in the operations against Al-Shabaab in Somalia.

The Major-General, who will be 58 in November, was awarded Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) and Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW).

Under the new changes announced on Wednesday, the Eastern command will be under Brig Benjamin Biwott, while the Western Command will be under Brig Antony Ngere.

Kenya’s contribution to the Amisom command in Somalia has also changed after Maj-Gen Jonathan Kipkemboi Rono became the deputy Amisom commander.

PROVIDED AERIAL COVER

The Kenya Air Force (KAF) was instrumental in the incursion into Somalia, bombing Al-Shabaab camps along the route to Kismayu, the ultimate destination, to declare the mission successful.

Even after Kenyan troops made an amphibious landing on the beaches to begin the final assault on Kismayu, KAF jets provided aerial cover and have continued to pound Al-Shabaab from the air after KDF was incorporated into Amisom.

The full changes are as follows: Maj-Gen Jonathan Kipkemboi Rono becomes Deputy Force Commander, African Union Mission in Somalia while Maj-Gen Samuel Wesonga Nandwa Assistant Chief Defence Forces Personnel and Logistics Defence Headquarters.

Brig Antony Ngere becomes the General Officer Commanding Western Command, while Brig Benjamin Biwott becomes the General Officer Commanding Eastern Command.

Brigadier Jossiah Mrashui takes charge of Strategic Plans and Policy at the Defence Headquarters, while Brigadier Francis Omondi Ogolla becomes Deputy Commander KAF.

Brigadiet Christopher Riugu Imanene becomes Chief of Logistics at the Defence Headquarters.

Brigadier Robert Kariuki Kibochi was promoted to Major-General and appointed Assistant Chief of Defence Forces; Operations, Doctrine and Training at Defence Headquarters.

Brigadier George Owino was promoted to Major-General and appointed Commandant of the Defence Staff College.

Brigadier Samuel Ng’ang’a Thuita was promoted to Major-General and appointed Commander of the Kenya Air Force.

Colonel Joseph Mutwii Kivunzi was promoted to Brigadier and appointed SDS Army National Defence College.

Colonel Thomas Chepkuto was also promoted to Brigadier and appointed Commandant of the Joint Warfare Centre.

Colonel Isaac Muchendu was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Personnel, Headquarters, Kenya Army, while Colonel David Azangu Ngaira was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Commander of the Engineer Brigade.

Colonel John Kibaso Warioba was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Commander 2 Brigade. Colonel John Mwangi was also promoted to Brigadier and appointed Commander of the Artillery Brigade.