Peter Mathuki’s Removal Sparks Leadership Crisis Amidst Financial Turmoil and Allegations in East African Community.

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a tumultuous period for the East African Community (EAC), the regional body is grappling with a severe leadership crisis. The recent removal of its Secretary-General, Dr. Peter Mathuki, has cast a shadow over the organization, revealing deep-rooted issues of financial mismanagement, accusations against member states, and a deadlock over funding.

The troubles began in 2022 when the EAC accused Kenya, its largest economy and chair, of taking an unyielding stance on a funding proposal linking partner states' contributions to gross domestic product (GDP). The EAC Finance and Administration Committee sounded the alarm over $50 million in remittance arrears, plunging the Secretariat and its organs into a precarious financial position.

Denis Namara, Chairperson of the East African Legislative Assembly’s General Purpose Committee, attributed the setbacks in the EAC's integration agenda to unreliable funding from partner states.

He pointed fingers at Kenya, which, in turn, defended itself, insisting that member countries must fulfill their financial obligations to the bloc. The EAC budget for 2021/22, amounting to $91.7 million, remained in jeopardy, with the arrears covering over half of it.

Amidst this financial turmoil, Dr. Peter Mathuki, the outgoing Secretary-General, faced grave allegations of misappropriating $6 million from the Peace Fund. The funds were intended for regional stability, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

 Parliamentarians from the region accused Mathuki of poor management and favoritism, triggering calls for his dismissal during the Third Session of the Fifth East African Legislative Assembly.

Earlier instances of corruption allegations involving development partner funds for regional peacebuilding added to the controversy. Mathuki, currently on a peace mission in Kinshasa, is now under intense scrutiny from Members of Parliament. Despite the controversy, Mathuki has been acknowledged for expanding the EAC through the admission of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Somalia.

In the latest twist, reports emerged that Dr. Peter Mathuki has been appointed as Kenya's Ambassador to Russia by President William Ruto. If confirmed, this would make him the first EAC Secretary-General to leave office before completing the customary five-year term.

The controversy surrounding Mathuki's potential removal surfaced during the ongoing session of the East African Legislative Assembly in Nairobi. The assembly deliberated the utilization of $6 million, allegedly spent without the standard approval procedures, raising concerns about financial mismanagement within the EAC Secretariat.

To fill the leadership void, Caroline Mwende Mueke has been proposed by the Kenyan government as Mathuki's replacement for the remaining two years of his term. Mwende Mueke, a public policy expert with a background in various United Nations agencies, would bring a fresh perspective to the leadership role.

The potential ambassadorial role for Dr. Mathuki has raised eyebrows within the East African Community, given the timing and the possibility of facing legal action for alleged financial mismanagement within the EAC Secretariat.

Dennis Namara, an EALA member from Uganda and chair of the finance sub-committee, highlighted the lack of parliamentary approval for the mentioned expenditures during the discussion of President Ruto's speech at the EALA session in Nairobi.

As the East African Community grapples with financial challenges, accusations, and a change in leadership, the regional body finds itself at a critical juncture. The removal of the Secretary-General and the appointment of an ambassador raise questions about the future direction of East African integration. The EAC once hailed for its strides in regional cooperation, now faces internal turmoil that could impact its ability to address pressing issues and fulfill its integration agenda.

The leadership challenges facing regional integration within the East African Community (EAC) are formidable. The removal of Secretary-General Dr. Peter Mathuki amidst financial turmoil and allegations has exposed the vulnerability of the regional body's leadership structure.

 The EAC's inability to navigate funding disagreements among member states underscores a critical leadership vacuum. The accusations of mismanagement and favoritism have shaken the trust in the leadership, raising questions about the commitment to the ideals of regional cooperation.

 As East African nations observe these developments, there is an urgent need for leaders to prioritize cohesive decision-making, foster collaboration, and instill confidence in the EAC's ability to overcome internal challenges and sustain its vision for a united and prosperous East Africa.