Mathuki Fired as EAC Secretary General, Replaced by United Nations Policy Expert Caroline Mueke

Kenya has proposed regional coordination advisor in the Management and Coordination Unit of the UN Regional Directors’ Team for Eastern and Southern Africa, based in Johannesburg Caroline Mwende Mueke to replace Dr Peter Mathuki for the remaining two years of service at the East Africa Community (EAC).

In an official letter addressed to the chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers Deng Alor Kuol, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for EAC Affairs Peninah Malonza officially notified member states of intent to withdraw Mathuki.

“Pursuant to Regulation 118 of the EAC Staff Rules and Regulations 2013, the Republic of Kenya hereby gives notice of withdrawal of Hon. Dr. Peter Mutuku Mathuki as the Secretary-General, from the date to be determined by the Summit of Heads of State,” reads the letter dated March 19, 2024.

Kenya has nominated Caroline Mwende Mueke for appointment as the new Secretary General by the Summit, in accordance with Article 67 (1) of the EAC Treaty.

Mueke a public policy expert has worked in various agencies and missions of the United Nations, including Unesco, UNDP and the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan.

Ms Mueke has to be approved by the heads of State at a summit meeting.

Dr Mathuki, who is the second Kenyan to occupy the SG’s seat after Francis Muthaura, previously served as an Eala member of Parliament, chairing the Committee on Legal Affairs and Good Governance as well as Accounts, Trade and Investment.

He has held political positions in Kenya and in international bodies including the International Labour Standards at the former International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU-Africa), now ITUC-Africa, where he served as director.

In an official letter written and addressed to the chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers Deng Alor Kuol, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for EAC Peninah Malonza has posted a notice of withdrawal of Dr Mathuki.

The Secretary-General was last week nominated as Kenya’s ambassador to Russia in President William Ruto’s recent foreign service changes.

It was a surprise move as Dr Mathuki, appointed to the post in 2021 on recommendation by President Uhuru Kenyatta, was yet to complete his five-year term, which was due to end in 2026.

“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.”

Dr Mathuki’s recall came as an impeachment campaign against him had begun at the East African Legislative Assembly (Eala), currently sitting in Nairobi.

The impeachment bid relates to queries around alleged irregularities in the expenditure of some $6 million. The allegations, sources said, arose from people close to his office: four individuals — including two Kenyans — complained to one MP.

A section of MPs accused Dr Mathuki of failure to adhere to the EAC budget rules and procedures of appropriation of budgeted funds, including from donors.

The allegations at the Arusha-headquartered institution made his continued stay at the helm of the regional bloc’s Secretariat untenable.

Eala lawmakers directly asked President Ruto, who was present for the opening of their sessions in Nairobi, to fire the secretary-general.