Remember Major General Timothy Stelu Lekolool? His career is a story of discipline, adaptability and quiet influence.
For four years, he was one of the most recognisable figures in Kenya, standing just a few steps behind President Uhuru Kenyatta in his crisp white naval uniform.
Appointed in July 2018, he made history as the first-ever naval officer to serve as Aide-de-Camp to a Kenyan president, breaking a long-standing tradition that had always favoured the Army.
His appointment carried personal significance too, as the first-born son of the late Francis Lekolool, a respected former Provincial Commissioner.
In his role, Lekolool’s responsibilities extended far beyond ceremonial appearances.
He was a tactical coordinator, security liaison, and operational planner for the Commander-in-Chief, often managing minute details of presidential events.
One moment that cemented his image in the public consciousness came on February 28, 2019, when he was photographed bending down to wipe President Kenyatta’s shoes during the launch of a justice report at the Supreme Court.
It was an unscripted act that, to many Kenyans, symbolised his meticulous dedication to ensuring the president’s dignity.
When the time came for the handover of power on September 13, 2022, the nation witnessed a powerful moment that demonstrated the Kenya Defence Forces’ allegiance to the office rather than the person.
In a matter of seconds, Brigadier Lekolool saluted President Kenyatta one last time, pivoted sharply, and took his place behind the newly sworn-in President William Ruto.
His service under Ruto was brief, ending in October 2022 with the appointment of Brigadier Fabian Lengusuranga as the new ADC.
Lekolool was then redeployed to the Department of Defence Headquarters.
Rather than fading from relevance, his career advanced rapidly.
In mid-2025, President Ruto presided over an investiture ceremony at State House, promoting him to the rank of Major General and appointing him Senior Directing Staff at the National Defence College in Karen.
In this role, he now shapes the thinking and leadership skills of senior KDF officers and regional defence leaders, transferring his years of operational and strategic experience to the next generation.
Away from the public eye, Lekolool has also contributed to the intellectual side of military service.
He co-authored a scholarly paper advocating for Kenya’s shipbuilding industry, using the Kenya Shipyards Limited as a case study to highlight how the KDF can drive national industrial growth.
Those close to KDF circles suggest that his promotion to Major General is not the end of his rise.
With his experience, strategic acumen and proven leadership, he is widely viewed as a strong contender for Lieutenant General, a position that would place him among the highest ranks in the Kenyan military.
By Kenyans