President William Ruto has executed a sweeping reorganization of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) leadership, marked by the high-profile appointment of Major General John Maiso Nkoimo as the new Deputy Commander of the Kenya Army. The changes, announced on Friday, June 5, 2026, follow recommendations from the Defence Council, chaired by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya.
Major General Nkoimo, who previously served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Central Command, steps into the role to replace Major General Mohamed Nur Hassan, who has officially proceeded into retirement. His elevation is part of a broader tactical realignment aimed at strengthening the command structure across the nation’s military services.
In tandem with Nkoimo’s appointment, the military has seen a wave of strategic promotions and reassignments. Brigadier Mohamud Salah Farah, formerly the Base Commander at Laikipia Air Base, has been elevated to the position of Deputy Air Force Commander. Meanwhile, Brigadier William Kamoiro has been promoted to the rank of Major General and will now assume the mantle of GOC Central Command, filling the vacancy left by Nkoimo.
The reshuffle also addressed key administrative and logistical roles at Defence Headquarters. Brigadier Peter Kipketer Limo has been promoted to Major General and appointed as the new Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics. He takes over from Major General Edward Rugendo, who has transitioned to the role of Managing Director at the Defence Forces Welfare Services.
Significantly, the President has extended the tenure of Kenya Navy Commander Major General Paul Owuor Otieno by one year, a move signaling a push for continuity within maritime security operations.
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