Kenya Writes to EAC Recalling Secretariat Head Peter Mathuki
Kenya has formally commenced the procedure to remove Peter Mathuki from his position as the Secretary-General of the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat.
In an official correspondence directed to Deng Alor Kuol, the Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, Peninah Malonza, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for EAC, has issued a formal notification regarding the withdrawal of Dr. Mathuki.
Last week, the Secretary-General was selected to serve as Kenya’s ambassador to Russia as part of President William Ruto’s recent adjustments to the foreign service.
It came as an unexpected decision since Dr. Mathuki, who was chosen for the position in 2021 upon the suggestion of President Uhuru Kenyatta, had not finished his full five-year tenure, set to conclude in 2026.
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“Kenya hereby gives notice of withdrawal of Dr. Peter Mutuku Mathuki as the secretary-general, from the date to be determined by the summit of heads of State,” said Ms Malonza in a letter dated March 15 and copied to all partner states.
“This has been occasioned by his nomination on 8th March 2024 for appointment as the ambassador of Kenya to Moscow, Russia by the President. He is now to serve the Republic in a different capacity.”
Ms. Malonza additionally conveyed to the EAC ministers that the President had nominated a successor for Dr. Mathuki.
“Consequently, Kenya hereby nominates Ms Caroline Mwende Mueke for appointment as the new secretary-general by the summit.”
The Kenyan government asked Mr. Kuol to convene a summit meeting promptly to discuss the proposed alterations.
“The purpose of this letter is, therefore, to request you to direct the Secretariat to convene an extraordinary meeting of the Council to consider the notice of withdrawal,” said Ms Malonza.
“Submit a request to the chair of the summit to convene an extraordinary meeting of the summit to consider the notice of withdrawal and the appointment of the new nominee to the position of the secretary-general.”
Impeachment
Dr. Mathuki’s removal from office coincided with the initiation of an impeachment effort against him at the East African Legislative Assembly (Eala), which is presently convened in Nairobi.
The attempt to impeach him stems from concerns regarding suspected irregularities in the spending of approximately $6 million. According to sources, the allegations originated from associates within his administration: four individuals, including two Kenyans, voiced their grievances to a member of parliament.
A group of Members of Parliament criticized Dr. Mathuki for not following the budget regulations and procedures of the East African Community, particularly in terms of allocating budgeted funds, including those from donors.
The accusations directed at the institution based in Arusha rendered his ongoing leadership of the regional bloc’s Secretariat unsustainable.
Eala legislators made a direct request to President Ruto, who was in attendance for the commencement of their sessions in Nairobi, urging him to dismiss the secretary-general.
Uganda Eala legislator Musamali Mwasa Paul during the debate on President Ruto’s speech said member countries should deploy to the EAC Secretariat competent people who are “ideologically oriented and clear about the mission and vision of the East African integration agenda”.
He subtly criticized the Secretary-General of the EAC, questioning why Kenya, renowned for its global human resources, would choose to nominate the incumbent SG.
“It is not too late to liberate the East African Community. The secretary-general you gave us from Kenya, I was wondering, is this the best export Kenya could send to the Community?” Denis Namara, another Eala MP for Uganda posed.
Kenya Writes to EAC Recalling Secretariat Head Peter Mathuki
