General Mohamud to KDF: Dedicate yourself to serving the nation

NAIROBI, Kenya - Three decades after his exit from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), Kenya's former Chief of General Staff General Mohamud Haji Mohamed has urged to members of service to serve with dedication.

On 20th May 2025, the Chief of the Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, paid a courtesy visit to General (Rtd) Mohamud Haji Mohamed at his residence in Nairobi.

During a visitation by serving officers at his home, General Mohamud, who left the military in 1996, appreciated the strides made by the Kenya Defence Forces, crediting the progress to strong foundations laid by him and other predecessors.

He acknowledged the evolving nature of security challenges and urged serving members to carry out their duties with the highest level of commitment and dedication. KDF officers and service members always visit those who have retired.

General Charles Kahariri, the Chief of Defence Forces, honoured General Mohamud for his distinguished service, marked by courage, loyalty, and exemplary leadership. He was one of the most decorated military officers until his exit.

“Your valour, leadership, and steadfast loyalty to our nation are exemplary and meritorious. You have not just been a leader but also a mentor and an inspiration to all of us,” remarked General Charles Kahariri.

General Mohamud began his military career in 1955 and rose through the ranks to become Chief of the General Staff in 1986. He served as the 4th Chief of the General Staff from 1986 to 1996, handing over to General (Rtd) Daudi Tonje, one of the most progressive military leaders in Kenya's history.

Accompanying the Chief of Defence Forces during the visit was the Assistant Chief of the Defence Forces in charge of Operations, Doctrine and Training, Major General Fred Leuria, the Director of Military Intelligence, Major General Abdulkadir Burje, Senior Directing Staff Air Programmes, National Defence College.

Others were Major General Peter Githinji, The Director of Military Veterans, Brigadier Moses Leriari, Managing Director Defence Forces Medical Insurance Scheme, Brigadier Hussein Amin and Colonel Abdulmaliq Rubeya, Principal Imam of the Kenya Defence Forces.

General Mohamud is remembered for being the first serviceman to ever join the KDF Staff (officers) despite his limited educational qualifications and rise through the ranks to become a Four-Star General. He is also remembered for playing a role in repulsing the infamous 1982 coup, where junior Air Force servicemen wanted to overthrow the then-President Daniel Moi.

After successfully foiling the coup, he was appointed the Air Force Commander, becoming the first KDF officer to serve both as Air Force and Kenya Army Service Commander (he was initially in the Kenya Army). Notably, he is the father-in-law to former Defence Minister and now Health Minister Aden Duale.

GAROWE ONLINE