Lieutenant General Peter Njiru takes over as new Kenya Army boss

Njiru was promoted by President Kenyatta to succeed Koipaton who retires from the military after 40 years of service.

In a colourful ceremony at the Kenya Army headquarters, the outgoing Kenya Army commander Lieutenant General Walter Koipaton handed over command as the army boss to Lieutenant General Peter Mbogo following his appointment by President Uhuru Kenyatta two weeks ago.

Lieutenant General Peter Mbogo who joined the military as a cadet in 1985 served in many regimental capacities among them Admin Officer, Adjutant, Battery Captain, Battery Commander and Instructor Air Defence Wing and became a Commanding Officer in 2006. 

Lieutenant General Njiru is a graduate of the Royal College of Defense Studies Course in UK and he earned Master of Arts in International Security and Strategy from Kings College, London.

“I want to thank the commander in chief for choosing me as the army commander. After 4 years of leadership, you are leaving a very capable army that is capable of defending the country. We have seen how the army helps the civil authority when called upon,” said Lieutenant General Walter Koipaton.

Outgoing commander Lieutenant general Walter Koipaton was praised for being a diligent leader in the force with many describing him as one who led by example. He joined the military in 1982 serving for four decades.

“I want to thank God for bringing me this far. I started this journey when I was 20 years old. I take this opportunity to thank the commander-in-chief for allowing me to lead Kenya's army for the last 4 years. It’s my honor to have served in the army for the last 40 years,” he said

Koipaton says he will now spend time with his family during his retirement.