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EAC boss Peter Mathuki vetted for Moscow job

By Mwangi Maina | Monday, April 8, 2024

Mathuki's vetting did not touch on corruption allegations raised by regional parliamentarians last March, which he has denied.

East African Community (EAC) Secretary-General Peter Mathuki emphasised his tenure at the regional bloc headquartered in Arusha, Tanzania, during his vetting for the ambassadorial role in Moscow, Russia.

Mathuki's vetting came after corruption allegations raised by regional parliamentarians last March, during the 5th East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), which he has denied.

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Facing the Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations Committee at Parliament on Monday, Mathuki highlighted his role in overseeing the admission of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Somalia as full members of the regional bloc.

He further emphasised his dedication and passion for the bloc and expressed his urge to carry on in the same spirit should he head to Moscow.

"I have given commitment and passion to the EAC. I assure you that I will put to service the same passion and commitment and ensure I serve this country in the capacity I am given," he told the legislators.

The secretary-general, who has been at the EAC since 2021, had faced impeachment over the alleged misappropriation of funds at the EAC Secretariat.

Following the graft allegations, Kenya recalled Mathuki, a former EALA legislator, early in March and appointed him the ambassador-designate to Russia.

A few days later, Ugandan citizen Mabirizi Kiwanuka sued the Kenyan government for "violating" the EAC treaty by recalling Mathuki, asking the East Africa Court of Justice in Kampala to nullify the decision by President William Ruto and declare it unlawful.

Later, however, Kenya formally commenced the process of recalling Mathuki.

Monday's vetting did not touch on the allegations against Mathuki but Kinangop MP Kwenya Thuku questioned his familiarity with his current position and the new one he has been nominated to, suggesting that the transition appeared to be a demotion.

Thuku asked, "Don't you think going to Moscow is a demotion?"

Mathuki said "he didn't look at it that way, adding, "I wouldn't call the privilege and honour of serving a demotion."

Thuku insisted, "Given a chance to continue serving at the EAC as SG and in the ambassadorial role in Moscow, which one would you prefer?"

Mathuki responded, "Whatever opportunity I am given, I am happy to continue serving for the benefit of the country."

Should his appointment be confirmed, he will be the first secretary-general to exit the post before the end of his five-year tenure.

Mathuki was appointed the EAC boss on February 27, 2021, during the first heads of state summit that was virtual due to travel restrictions that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before joining the EAC, Mathuki served as the chief executive officer of the East African Business Council, which includes private sector associations in the bloc's member states.