Truth Behind David Kimaiyo Tarus Replacing CDF Francis Ogolla
Truth Behind David Kimaiyo Tarus Replacing CDF Francis Ogolla
Truth Behind David Kimaiyo Tarus Replacing CDF Francis Ogolla
A video that appeared to show Kenya Army Commander Lieutenant General David Kimaiyo Tarus taking the oath of office as the new Chief of Defence Forces (or CDF) went viral for the better part of the morning on Monday, April 22.
After a fact-check, it was discovered that the captions that followed the viral video were fabricated.
The video was recorded on March 8, 2024, at State House in Nairobi, during Kimaiyo’s promotion to the position of Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) commander.
Francis Ogolla’s successor has not yet been named by President William Ruto, who thus labels the viral video as fraudulent.
Tarus, a native of Uasin Gishu County, joined the Kenya Army in 1988 and advanced through the ranks to become one of the country’s most senior military officers.
Tarus has held positions as Senior Directing Staff at the Joint Warfare Center, Instructor at the Peace Support Training Center, and Joint Command and Staff College for the Grade Three Staff Course, according to the Ministry of Defence.
In addition, he worked as a staff officer at the Kenya Army and Defense Headquarters, as well as the Western and Eastern Commands Headquarters.
Kimaiyo has taken courses at USA Leavenworth, Joint Warfare College, and National Defense College, among other relevant military institutions.
With a Master of Science (USA), Bachelor of Military Science (Egerton University), Diploma in Strategic Studies, and Diploma in International Relations (University of Nairobi), Tarus is among the most educated soldiers in the nation.
He has participated in a number of international peacekeeping operations, including the United Nations and African Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO).
The decorated lieutenant general may not have been on the list of army personnel vying to succeed the late CDF Ogolla, according to current reports.
