By CHIMPREPORTS
President William Ruto has appointed East African Community (EAC) Secretary General Peter Mathuki as Kenya’s Ambassador to Russia.
Mathuki was among the new Ambassadors unveiled by the president’s office on Saturday.
The presidential nominees will have to be vetted by Parliament.
Mathuki will be replaced by Ms Caroline Mwende.
However, Mwende’s appointment will require the endorsement of the EAC Heads of State Summit.
The development marks the end of Mathuki’s era at the EAC.
Mathuki, who previously served as the Executive Director of the East African Business Council, has been steering the EAC business since February 27, 2021.
He has been hailed for strengthening regional cooperation and facilitating the growth of trade and development of infrastructural projects.
However, MPs and EAC officials criticised Mathuki’s methods of work, accusing him of poor management and favouritism.
The transfer of Mathuki comes just days after MP Paul Musamali told President Ruto during this week’s EALA’s Special Sitting in Nairobi that the leadership of EAC was unhinged.
“I want to bring this to your attention; that there is need for all partners states to ensure that when you are deploying people in the service of the community, it should be people who are ideologically oriented and clear about the mission and vision and the EAC agenda,” said Musamali as his fellow MPs cheered him on.
“Otherwise if we just deploy for the sake or don’t pay attention to who is deployed at EAC from Secretary General to the lowest cadre, your excellency, we risk employing merchants,” he added.
Musamali also claimed that there was “squandering of resources” at the EAC secretariat headed by Mathuki.
“Today, the SG is the focal point – the centre and accounting officer in the community,” said Musamali, adding, “I want to implore you (Ruto) to take keen interest in ensuring the SG delivers to the expectations and aspirations of the people of East Africa.”
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