By Gladys Fred Kole
Regional Legislators have tabled additional files of evidence for further investigation of corruption and nepotism in East African Community Secretariat.
Currently holding its Plenary in Nairobi, Kenya, the Regional Assembly received evidences on malpractices extracted from different institutions of the community with indication of mismanagement of EAC Peace funds to the tune of $6 million.
Other vices include illegal recruitment processes for staff by EAC Secretary General, Dr. Peter Mutuki Mathuki during his three years in office.
South Sudan representative in the 5th Assembly of the East African Legislative Assembly, Kennedy Mukulia Ayason said thirty pieces of evidence were added to others presented to the house on March, 6th 2024.
The file of evidence detailed issues related to the amount of money that has not been accounted for by the office of the Secretary-General and Individuals recruited of merits of family or other personal relationships attached to the Secretary-General without consideration of the laws governing employment in the community.
The evidences collected by members of the regional assembly compiled malpractices in the community for the year 2021/2023, linking to the time of office for Dr. Peter Mathuki as the Secretary-General for the East African bloc.
Mismanagement of resources by the East African Community Secretariat staff was first brought into the house during the opening session of its 3rd Meeting of the second session.
Kenyan President, William Samoei Ruto, addressed the session in which the EAC Secretary General Dr. Peter Mathuki was recalled and posted as an Ambassador to Russia three days later.
Mrs. Caroline Muwenda who is yet to take over the regional top office, replaces the former Secretary General of the community.
As Dr. Mathuki’s ambassadorial appointment still awaiting the Kenyan Parliament’s approval, Mukulia called for an immediate investigation of the allegations to ensure full accountability of the region’s resources.
The files were handed over to various committees of the regional assembly that are to ensure full investigation of the matter and return with a report by the next plenary of the East African Legislative Assembly which is due April/May 2024.