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Ruto leads 60th anniversary celebration of Kenya Air Force

President William Ruto is presented with flowers during the Kenya Air Force 60th anniversary celebration at the Moi Airbase in Nairobi on June 8, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

By Mary Wambui | Saturday, June 8, 2024

The Diamond Jubilee is honouring the KAF's journey and contribution to aviation development in Kenya, service to humanity, and historic events over the years.

President William Ruto is leading the nation in the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Kenya Air Force (KAF), taking place at the Moi Airbase in Nairobi.

The Diamond Jubilee is honouring the KAF's journey and contribution to aviation development in Kenya, service to humanity, and historic events over the years.

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Among the key events was Major General Fatuma Ahmed's appointment as the first female Air Force commander.

Maj. Gen. Fatuma is the 18th commander of the service, responsible for safeguarding Kenyan skies and defending its sovereignty.

She succeeded Lt. Gen. John Omenda. who became the Vice Chief of Defence Forces.

Below is a list of past KAF commanders:

Source: KDF

A slow flypast by a Puma helicopter kicked off the celebrations, waving a tag with the phrase "Imara Angani @60", and an air show followed later.

Kenya Air Force - Imara Angani at 60 pic.twitter.com/cc8aodmgKn
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) June 8, 2024

Among those who graced the occasion were Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Charles Kahariri, Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Defence Committee members, military officials and their families, diplomats, and defence attachés from several countries, including China, Ethiopia, and Rwanda.

Also present were Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Mohamed Badi, who was the director-general of the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS), and Joel Rabuku, son of the late Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla. Joel received gifts in honour of his father.