Confirmation would make Muthaura exit unceremonious

Business

By Beauttah Omanga

Were the charges against Head of Civil Service and career civil servant Francis Muthaura to be confirmed at the ICC, it would be a sad end to a brilliant career in public service.

Muthaura, inherited by the Kibaki administration from retired President Moi’s regime, has proved his efficiency in carrying out his duties. Were he to be forced out of office because of the ICC trials, that would amount to a major blow to his dedicated service.

"It would be unfortunate to Muthaura who has served for so long to exit unceremoniously," said East Africa Law Society vice-president James Mwamu.

Mwamu is of the view that either way President Kibaki might opt to retire Muthaura without much pressure were the charges to be confirmed.

Dujis MP Aden Duale said Muthaura would emerge a more powerful member outside the presidency if the charges were to be dropped. "His presence would even be felt more as he will have nothing else to worry about," said Duale.

President Kibaki exonerated Muthaura from the prosecution’s assertions that he used State House and State resources to have the outlawed Mungiki sect plan the killings.

Muthaura began his career in the civil service in 1972 when he joined the central government as a district officer at the coast. A year later he joined foreign affairs where he served in various capacities.

Career diplomat

His exposure to international diplomacy at its highest level lay foundations for a career that would eventually see him champion the interests of the nation as Kenya’s permanent representative to the United Nations, ambassador to the European Union.

His first four-year diplomatic tour of duty at the United Nations in New York included participation in the negotiations which led to the establishment of the UN Habitat in Nairobi.

In January 2003, Muthaura was appointed as permanent secretary in the Ministry of Provincial Administration and Internal Security.

He was soon after elevated to the position of the Head of the Public Service, Permanent Secretary to the Presidency and Secretary to the Cabinet.

It was he who designed roles for the Prime Minister and the Vice-President after a protracted battle between Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka, the holders of the offices.

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