Kenyan lady promoted to lieutenant colonel in the US Army
By Kenneth Mwenda, November 18, 2025Silvia Jemutai, a Kenyan-born officer from Kopsiya, Poror, in Eldama Ravine, has been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army.
She received her new rank on November 14, 2025, during a ceremony at Fort Lee in Virginia, surrounded by family and friends from both the United States and Kenya.
Lt Col Jemutai said she dedicated the milestone to her late mother, Jacqueline Alice Kirui, whose guidance and sacrifices shaped her journey. Her promotion makes her the highest-ranking Kenyan military officer currently serving in the United States.
“This is Major Silvia Jemutai from Kopsiya, Poror, Eldama Ravine,” a post by Gotabgaa International published on Facebook on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, stated.
“She was officially promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army during a ceremony held on 14 November 2025 at Fort Lee, Virginia. Surrounded by family and friends from the U.S. and Kenya, Lt Col Jemutai dedicated the achievement to her late mother, Jacqueline Alice Kirui, whose strength and sacrifice shaped her journey.”
“Congratulations to Lt Col Silvia Jemutai… now the highest-ranking Kenyan military officer serving in the USA, a true Kenyan daughter making Kenya proud.”
The rank of lieutenant colonel in the US Army carries significant responsibility. Officers at this level often command battalions of 300 to 1,000 soldiers or hold senior staff positions at brigade and division headquarters.
They make key operational decisions, oversee training, and manage the welfare of their units. The promotion reflects years of service, leadership, and professional military education.
US-Kenyan soldier arrested
Jemutai’s achievement comes at a time when the number of Kenyan-born soldiers serving in the US military continues to draw public attention. Only two days after her promotion ceremony, Tanzanian police arrested a US Army sergeant with dual Kenyan and American citizenship at the Sirari border.
The sergeant, Charles Onkuri Ongeta, 30, was driving a Toyota Land Cruiser from Kenya into Tanzania when officers stopped him for inspection. Police later said they found four CS M68 hand grenade explosives inside the vehicle.
The Tarime-Rorya Regional Police Commander confirmed the arrest in a public statement, noting that Tanzanian law prohibits the possession of such explosives.