Kahariri had previously worked as Ogolla’s deputy. Ogolla, 62, was approaching his 40th birthday and had been Chief of Defence Forces for a year.
Charles Muriu Kahariri was appointed defense chief by Kenyan President William Ruto on Thursday following the death of his predecessor in a helicopter crash.
Francis Omondi Ogolla, who was one of ten military officers slain when their helicopter crashed on April 18 in a remote part of northwest Kenya, is replaced by Kahariri.
Kahariri had previously worked as Ogolla’s deputy. Ogolla, 62, was approaching his 40th birthday and had been Chief of Defence Forces for a year.
Ruto announced many appointments, including Kahariri’s elevation to the rank of general and his appointment as chief of defense.
In addition, he appointed Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed, the first female commander of the Kenya Air Force in the history of the country.
He also named Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed as commander of the Kenya Air Force, the first woman in the nation’s history to hold the position.
She replaces John Mugaravai Omenda who was promoted to Vice Chief of the Defence Forces and the rank of lieutenant general.
Major General Paul Owuor Otieno was also named commander of the Kenya Navy.