New EAC boss picked as Mathuki heads to Moscow

Kenya has initiated the process to recall East African Community (EAC) Secretary General Peter Mutuku Mathuki and nominated another candidate.

EAC Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza has written to the EAC Council of Ministers Chairperson, Deng Alor Kuol, notifying him the intention to withdraw Mathuki (pictured).

She said Kenya had nominated Caroline Mueke as the new Secretary General.

“The purpose of this letter is to request you to direct the Secretariat to convene an extra-ordinary meeting of the Council to consider the notice of withdrawal and to submit a request to the Chair of the Summit to convene an extra-ordinary meeting of the summit to consider the notice of withdrawal and the appointment of the new nominee to the position of Secretary General,” said Malonza, in a letter dated March 15.

She said the move to withdraw Mathuki had been occasioned by his nomination on March 8 for appointment as the Ambassador of Kenya to Moscow, Russia by President William Ruto.

“Pursuant to Regulation 118 of the EAC Staff Rules and Regulations 2013, 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,” the CS said.

She said Regulation 118 (1)(a) requires a partner State wishing to withdraw an executive staff member, such as the Secretary General, to provide at least six months’ written notice to the Summit through the Council.

“In this regard, Dr Mathuki’s withdrawal will only be effective upon the expiry of six months notice period.

However, Kenya is requesting for a waiver of the six month notice period from the Summit to have the nominated appointee to the post of Secretary General, Caroline Mwende Mueke, assume office from the date of appointment by the Summit,” she explained.

Regulation 118(1(b) specified that termination of the appointment of the Secretary General must be upon the recommendation of the Council to the Summit.