President William Ruto has made a surprising decision to replace Caroline Mueke as Kenya’s nominee for the East African Community (EAC) Secretary-General position.
Instead, he has proposed Veronica Mueni Nduva, the current Principal Secretary for the State Department for Performance and Delivery Management within the Ministry of Public Service, to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Peter Mathuki, who has been appointed as ambassador to Russia.
The decision was conveyed in a letter signed by EAC Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza to EAC Council of Ministers Chairperson Deng Kuol. However, no specific reasons were provided for the change in nomination.
“The Republic of Kenya now presents Ms. Veronica Mueni Nduva for appointment to the position of the Secretary-General of the East African Community,” stated Malonza in the letter dated April 15 and obtained by Capital FM.
According to sources, a virtual meeting was scheduled for Tuesday by the EAC Ministers to discuss Kenya’s request. The final decision will ultimately be made by the summit of leaders, taking into account the advice provided by the ministers.
Despite Kenya’s proposal for a change, reports suggest that some partner states prefer Mathuki to complete his term, as South Sudan is expected to take over in 2026.
Kenya may encounter challenges in gaining acceptance from all partner states for the nomination change, particularly since Mathuki has already been reassigned.
