Brig. Mohamud Salah Farah appointed Deputy Commander Kenya Air Force

President William Ruto has appointed Brigadier Mohamud Salah Farah as the new Deputy Commander of the Kenya Air Force as part of a wide-ranging leadership reorganization within the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

Before his appointment, Brigadier Mohamud served as the Base Commander of Laikipia Air Base, one of Kenya's most strategic and prestigious military installations. He held the position for the past four years, overseeing key air operations and contributing significantly to the operational readiness of the Kenya Air Force.

The appointment, announced on Friday, June 6, 2026, elevates Brigadier Mohamud to one of the most senior leadership positions within the Air Force.

Brigadier Mohamud chaired the Board of Inquiry that investigated the April 2024 military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of ten military personnel, including the then Chief of the Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla.

In the same round of changes, Major General John Maiso Nkoimo was appointed Deputy Commander of the Kenya Army, replacing Major General Mohamed Nur Hassan, who has retired from service after a distinguished military career.

Major General Mohamed Nur Hassan

Prior to his new appointment, Major General Nkoimo served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Central Command, where he was responsible for overseeing military operations and security coordination within the region.

The reshuffle also saw Brigadier William Kamoiro promoted to the rank of Major General and appointed General Officer Commanding Central Command, succeeding Major General Nkoimo.

Several other senior officers across the Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force, and Defence Headquarters were promoted, reassigned, or given new responsibilities as part of the changes aimed at enhancing leadership effectiveness and operational performance within the military.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, President Ruto, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, said the appointments and promotions were made following recommendations from the Defence Council and form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen command structures, improve operational efficiency, and build institutional capacity within the forces.