Page 69 - The Presidency may 2020

The President’s Digest May 2020 Surmounting CV-19 Challenge

MILITARY CHANGES

Address by His Excellency, Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta, C.G.H., President of
the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces
on Military Changes at State House, Nairobi, 30th April, 2020

I take this opportunity to thank you, Gen.
Samson Jefwa Mwathethe, EGH, MBS, DCO,
‘ NDC (K), PSC’(uk), for the exemplary service
you have rendered to our country, in your capacity as
the Chief of Defence Forces.
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.

effort. Following the impending retirement of Gen.
Mwathethe, I have promoted the following officers:-

1. Lt General Robert Kibochi to General;

2. Major General Levi Mghalu to Lt. General; and
During your tenure, we detected and expunge early enough
a number of plans by those who do not mean well for our 3. Brigadier Jimson Mutai to Major General.
country, in good time.
Further to these promotions and in line with the recom-
Let me also say that during your tenure, you proved that mendation by the Defence Council, I have today made the
you are not just a military man, but a well rounded person, following appointments:-
with the capacity to provide quality leadership in other initi- 1. Gen. Robert Kibochi to Chief of Defence Forces desig-
atives of national importance. nate;
2. Lt. Gen. Levi Mghalu to Vice Chief of Defence Forces des-
In this regard, I am proud to state that as chair, you steered ignate; and
very well the “Blue Economy Implementation Standing 3. Maj. Gen. Jimson Mutai to Commander of the Kenya Na-
Committee”.
vy designate.
The Committee has made substantive progress in re-
The officers are expected to assume office under their new
establishing the Kenya National Shipping Line, as part of the positions, on May 11, 2020.Finally, let me say, I look for-
Blue Economy Programme. Once fully completed and oper- ward to working with these officers closely in service to our
ational, this will, indeed, enable us, as a country, exploit the motherland. For you, General Mwathethe, I wish you fair
potential we have in the blue economy, and consequently winds following seas; and the very best in your future en-
create thousands of jobs for our young men and women. It deavours.
is my hope that you and I will continue collaborate in this

68