President William Ruto has opted for a new nominee, Veronica Mueni Nduva, to fill Kenya’s slot for the East African Community (EAC) Secretary-General position, dropping Caroline Mueke from contention. Nduva, presently serving as the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Performance and Delivery Management within the Ministry of Public Service, is proposed as a replacement following the departure of Peter Mathuki, who assumed the role of ambassador to Russia.
The decision was conveyed via a letter penned by EAC Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza to Deng Kuol, Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers. However, the letter did not offer any specific rationale for the change in nomination.
In the missive dated April 15, Malonza officially put forth Nduva’s candidacy, stating, “The Republic of Kenya now presents Ms. Veronica Mueni Nduva for appointment to the position of the Secretary-General of the East African Community.”
According to reports from Capital FM, sources disclosed that EAC Ministers had arranged a virtual meeting on Tuesday to discuss Kenya’s request. The ultimate decision will lie with the leaders’ summit, which will take into account the advice provided by the ministers.
Despite Kenya’s push for a candidate switch, indications suggest that some partner states prefer Mathuki to serve out his term, with South Sudan anticipated to assume the position in 2026.