Dr Peter Mathuki, EAC Secretary-General talking to Eye Radio on regional integration during his visit to South Sudan, May 26, 2021 - Credit: Okot Emmanuel/Eye Radio

Kenya’s President William Ruto has nominated the East African Community (EAC) Secretary-General Peter Mathuki as Ambassador to Russia.

The nomination comes at a time when Dr Mathuki, who has been at the EAC since 2021, is facing impeachment over the alleged misappropriation of funds at the secretariat.

The matter came up during the debate on President Ruto’s speech, which he delivered on Wednesday, March 6, during the inaugural session of the 5th East African Legislative Assembly (Eala) in Nairobi.

“The financial rules of the Treaty establishing the EAC, Budget Act, and all the legislation provide that every money coming into the Community must be appropriated,” said Dennis Namara, Eala MP (Uganda), the chairperson of the finance sub-committee.

“Over $6 million that has been collected as far as I am concerned, that money has been spent and has never gone through appropriation. The SG never brought it to parliament for appropriation.”

Dr Mathuki, who was at the assembly, downplayed the issues of the allegations made against him, choosing instead to focus on the President’s speech.