The new Sector Two Commander, in charge of the second African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS II) Sector Two, Brigadier William Kamoiro on 24th February 2023, assumed duty. He replaced Brigadier Jattani Gula, who concluded his tour of duty this year, having served from February 2022, under the first African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS I).
Brigadier Kamoiro brings to the mission a wealth of experience Spanning over 33 years in Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). He has vast experience in theater operations. Previously, he served as African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Commanding Officer in 2016 and later served as a Defence Attaché to China between the year 2017 to 2020. In his career he has served in various peace support operations under the UN and AU. For instance African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), DRC Congo and Yugoslavia. Prior to his appointment as the ATMIS II Sector two Commander, he is the Commander 2 Brigade.
Additionally, he was the Commanding Officer of the Amphibious operation that was conducted in 2012 to capture Kismayo and now he is back again for the final push that will see Somalia Security Forces run their security issues by December 2024.
A ceremony to mark the change of command took place at the ATMIS Sector II Headquarters in Dhobley, which is under the responsibility of the KDF. A hand-over / take-over parade was mounted by both 4 and 2 Bde comprising of both old and new guard as a way of bidding farewell to the outgoing and Incoming Brigade commander respectively.
During the ceremony, the outgoing Commander Brigadier Gula thanked the soldiers for their teamwork, resilience and discipline which ensured operational success during their tour of duty.
He noted that the KDF troops had successfully degraded Al Shabaab in the area and called for further degradation of the enemy’s capabilities to secure Somalia and the region.
The incoming Commander, Brigadier Kamoiro congratulated his predecessor and the service members for their commitment and service to humanity. He pledged to continue conducting surgical offensive operations in coordination with SSF in order to stabilize the operating environment.
“The contingent will initiate various Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects to stabilize the operating environment and impact positively on the lives of the local populace and further will enhance interoperability between the KDF troops and the Somali Security Forces (SSF) by working together in conducting various operations against Al Shabaab,” stated Brigadier Kamoiro.
During the event both Commanders planted tree seedlings as a mark of new sector leadership.
Source: Ministry of Defence