Image Credit: Mod.go.ke
In a historic move, President William Ruto has appointed Fatuma Ahmed as the first female commander in the Kenyan Air Force. The appointment comes as part of a series of military promotions and changes following the tragic death of the country’s defense chief in a helicopter crash.
Ahmed gained prominence in August 2015 when she was promoted to the rank of brigadier, breaking barriers in the male-dominated Kenyan military. Her journey into the armed forces began unexpectedly: while returning home from secondary school after completing final examinations in 1983, she passed by a stadium near military offices conducting a recruitment exercise. Intrigued, Ahmed made inquiries and joined the military the following year as an officer cadet.
Notably, Ahmed has achieved another milestone by becoming the first female soldier to attain the rank of major general. She was promoted from brigadier and appointed assistant chief of the defense forces in charge of personnel and logistics. Her appointment replaces John Omenda, who has been promoted to vice chief of the defense forces and the rank of lieutenant general. Additionally, President Ruto has appointed Charles Kahariri as the nation’s new defense chief, following the untimely death of his predecessor’s deputy, who was about to mark 40 years of military service.
