Envoys recall a mere routine, says Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho

By ALLY JAMAH

The Government has downplayed the recall of 15 Kenyan envoys saying it is a routine practice during change of government.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho said the envoys were recalled after the end of their tenures.

He asserted there was no cause for alarm as the ambassadors are a small fraction of the envoys serving in 52 diplomatic missions Kenya has around the world.

Of the 15 recalled envoys, he said four had reported back. They are Mishy Mwasahu (Pakistan), Benjamin Mweri (Burundi), Simon Nabukwesi (Canada), Elkana Odembo (United States). He said five envoys are yet to report back as they await to bid official bye to the leaders of the host country.  They include Mary Kimolu (UNESCO – Paris), Catherine Mwangi (Ireland), John Mutinda Mutiso (Tanzania), Anthony Muchiri (Libya) and James Ochami (DR Congo)

Kibicho said some ambassadors had been recalled but could not return to the country immediately since they had crucial pending assignments.

In this category are Ephraim Ngare (United Kingdom) who is required to finish a Commonwealth event in Sri Lanka. Kibicho said it would be unwise to send a new person to that event.

Others are David Arunga who is serving in Egypt and is waiting until a government is in place following political unrest, Mohammed Mahat (Kuwait) and Cleland Leshore (Juba, South Sudan)

Kibicho said among those recalled were Monica Juma who is now principal Secretary in Ministry of Defence and was serving in Ethiiopia and Richard Ekae (Ireland )  who is now Principal Secretary in Mining Ministry.

He denied reports that some of the recalled envoys were stuck in their duty stations due to lack of cash to bring them back.

He said President Uhuru is expected to announce new names to fill the positions in the next few weeks.