Gen Kianga said the recently acquired vessel will guard the country against piracy attacks
Chief of General Staff Jeremiah Kianga has commissioned a ship to be used in the war against piracy.
Gen Kianga, who is due to retire within a few months, said the recently acquired vessel would boost surveillance along the Indian Ocean coastline and guard the country against attacks from the Somalia-based al Shabaab militants.
He was received by Navy Commandant Samson Mwathethe on Monday.
Gen Kianga went straight into a meeting with top commanders at Kenya Navy headquarters in Mtongwe soon after his arrival at Moi International Airport.
Bidding them farewell
A senior Navy officer, who cannot be named because he is not authorised to speak to the press, said the Chief of General Staff told top navy officers that the visit could be his last one at the Kenya Navy headquarters.
“There are some work-related issues that he discussed with the senior officers but he seemed to be bidding them farewell. He told them to remain focused and hardworking,” said the source.
His security personnel blocked efforts by the Nation team to interview or take pictures of the outgoing boss.
“Please don’t take pictures and no interviews. He is not ready to talk to you,” his personal assistant said.
Mr John Mwandikwa, who recently replaced long-serving military spokesman, Mr Bogita Ongeri, said: “He is only here to commission a new naval ship.”
Gen Kianga has a few months before he leaves the military. A hunt is already on for his successor, with the National Defence Council chaired by the President expected to meet this week to lay the grounds for the official appointment of the new Chief of General Staff.
The appointment of a Chief of General Staff usually precedes new appointments and promotions in the entire military.
Source: Daily Nation
