East African Community (EAC) has denied graft allegations against Ex-Secretary General Peter Mathuki as per media reports.
Even as news of Mathuki’s reassignment broke, allegations of impropriety and corruption surfaced, with an article in The East African newspaper titled ‘Why Mathuki has to go.’
The piece outlined various claims against Mathuki, including financial mismanagement and lack of appropriation of funds within the EAC Secretariat.
In a Monday, March 11 statement, from their headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, the EAC addressed the reports as baseless, malicious, and an attempt to assassinate Mathuki’s character.
“First and foremost, we wish to state categorically that the allegations that were carried in the article are baseless, malicious, unfounded and an attempt on assassinating the character of the Secretary General of the East African Community,” read part of the letter from EAC.
The statement criticized the media house for not seeking Mathuki’s side of the story before publishing the article, an act they termed as violation of the rules of natural justice and objective journalism.
EAC in a letter addressed to the media house, emphasized that the organization operates with proper checks and balances on all its operations.
It further stated that each member state has a Cabinet Minister responsible for coordinating EAC Affairs at the national level, forming the EAC Council of Ministers, the policy organ of the Community.
The Council of Ministers supervises the EAC Secretariat, and at no point has there been any query raised regarding the allegations of misappropriation of funds.
Additionally, the EAC highlighted the role of the Audit Commission, which prepares reports on all activities of the Community conducted by partner states.
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Since Mathuki assumed office three years ago, there have been no adverse audit reports on his part or the Secretariat.
The statement underscored that the EAC’s operations and activities are continually audited to ensure compliance with laid-down standards and procedures.
EAC Stint and Ruto’s Appointment
President William Ruto recalled East African Community Secretary-General Peter Mathuki, nominating him as one of the country’s new diplomats to be posted abroad.
The decision comes amidst an impeachment campaign against Mathuki at the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), sparking speculations about the motivations behind the move.
Mathuki, who has been at the helm of the regional bloc, is set to serve as Kenya’s ambassador in Moscow, Russia if appointed.
While some view this reassignment as a strategic diplomatic posting, others see it as a potential escape for Mathuki, who was facing mounting pressure at EALA.
Diplomatic sources revealed on Friday that Mathuki was expected to resign from his position at the EAC, a move that could signal an end to the impeachment proceedings against him.
Peter Mathuki Roles
Meanwhile, he continues to represent the EAC in official capacities, such as an ongoing meeting in Addis Ababa.
Since assuming office, Mathuki has been instrumental in providing strategic leadership to the EAC Secretariat.
Under his guidance, the regional bloc has seen significant expansion with the recent admission of the Democratic Republic of Congo into the community.
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Mathuki has actively pursued peace and security efforts in troubled parts of the East African region.
Prior to his role as EAC Secretary-General, Mathuki served as the Chief Executive Officer of the East African Business Council (EABC) from 2018 to 2021.
During this time, he played a key role in driving and articulating private sector priorities in EAC decision-making processes.
His efforts resulted in the resolution of bottlenecks hindering the growth of intra-EAC trade and investment.
Mathuki’s political background includes serving as a Member of Parliament of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) from 2012 to 2017.
