Kahariri replaces Francis Omondi Ogolla who was among 10 military officers killed when their chopper went down in a remote area of northwestern Kenya on April 18.

Kahariri had previously served as deputy to Ogolla, 62, who had been Chief of Defence Forces for a year and was about to mark 40 years of military service.

The promotion of Kahariri to the defence chief post and the rank of general was among several appointments Ruto announced.

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.