Tuesday February 21, 2023
A Kenyan has been named the new Deputy Force Commander, in charge of Support and Logistics for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia.
Peter Muteti, assumed duty in Mogadishu on February 19 replacing Gerbi Kebede of Ethiopia who concluded his tour of duty late last year. Kabede served from 2021 under the African Union Mission in Somalia.
ATMIS is a multidimensional mission (military, police and civilian) authorised by the African Union and mandated by the United Nations Security Council- AU Peace and Security Council.
ATMIS became operational on April 1, 2022.
Muteti, arrived in Mogadishu, Somalia on Sunday and was received by senior ATMIS military officers, led by the ATMIS military Chief of Staff, Brig Gen Teggegn Gezu.
On arrival, he inspected a guard of honour mounted by ATMIS Uganda troops at the Force Headquarters.
He brings to the mission a wealth of experience spanning over 37 years in the Kenya Defence Forces, where he has served in various capacities and rose through the ranks.
He said they will ensure the mission delivers on its mandate
“I look forward to joining my colleagues so that together, we can contribute to security and stability in Somalia,” Muteti said in an interview.
Muteti, previously served as a Platoon Commander, Company Commander, Battalion-second-in Command and Commanding Officer at KDF.
He also served as a Senior Instructor and Commandant of Kenya Army School of Infantry, 2nd Brigade Commander and as Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor, at the Kenya Military Academy.
He holds a master’s degree in Defence Studies and also served as Kenya’s Defence Attaché to the UK.
Prior to his appointment as the ATMIS Deputy Force Commander, Muteti, was the Assistant Chief of Kenya Defence Forces in charge of Operations, Plans, Doctrine and Training.