Ruto replaces Mwende Mueke as EAC Secretary General nominee

President William Ruto has replaced Caroline Mwende Mueke as Kenya's nominee for the East African Community (EAC) Secretary General with Veronica Mueni Nduva.

Nduva is the current Principal Secretary for the State Department for Performance and Delivery Management at the Ministry of Public Service.

The changes were revealed through a letter dated April 15 and penned by Cabinet Secretary for EAC Peninah Malonza.

In the letter addressed to Minister for EAC Affairs Chairperson Deng Alor Kuol, Malonza said the President had decided to vary the nomination.

"Further to our letter Ref No EAC 4/CONF./2/ Vol. 21(57) of March 15, 2024, informing of a Presidential Action nominating Ms Caroline Mwende Mueke for appointment as the new Secretary General by the Summit, in accordance with Article 67 (1) of the EAC Treaty; we write to inform you the President of the Republic of Kenya has varied the nomination of Ms Mueke to the position of the EAC Secretary General," the letter reads in part.

"The Republic of Kenya now presents Ms Veronica Mueni Nduva for appointment to the position of the Secretary General of the East African Community."

Mueke had been appointed to replace Peter Mathuki from the post after the country initiated his recalling.

Mathuki's recalling was occasioned by his nomination by President Ruto as Kenya's Ambassador to Russia.

If appointed, Nduva will be the third Kenyan to hold the post after Francis Muthaura, who served from 1996 to 2001, and Mathuki (2021-2024).