Intense lobbying in Muthaura succession

By Gakuu MathengeThe Head of Civil Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Muthaura has taken his first official leave in eight years since being appointed in 2003.
Mr Muthaura took leave from April 26, according to a circular to all permanent secretaries.
The circular designates Internal Security PS Francis Kimemia to hold brief for him on issues involving the Public Service, and his assistant, Mr Sam Mwale, for Cabinet affairs.
Emergency hospitalisation in Nairobi and South Africa in June-July 2009 forced Muthaura to be away for a month.

Francis Muthaura addresses journalists. Photo: File/Standard

As the person in charge of public service and Cabinet proceedings and secrets at a transitional period, Muthaura’s is the second most watched office after the Presidency.
Public Service Minister Dalmas Otieno says Kenyans should not panic: "There is no reason to panic, he has left the job in the hands of capable people and in any case, he will return after two weeks," Mr Otieno was quoted as saying.
Only two other individuals have found themselves in similar circumstances as Muthaura – Geoffrey Kareithi, who was head of public service when founding President Jomo Kenyatta died in his sleep in August 1978, and oversaw transition to President Moi.
It also fell on Aldai MP and Minister for Agriculture Sally Kosgei to preside over the first ever transfer of power following an electoral defeat of Kanu by the opposition in the 2002 General Election.
Kanu had been in power since Independence in 1963, while President Moi had been in power for 24 years.
Hospitalised in South AfricaMuthaura’s age (63), the 2009 hospitalisation and surgery in South Africa, followed by sensational inclusion of his name among the six individuals wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged complicity in the 2007 post-election violence have all fuelled speculation about his possible retirement, resignation or sacking and possible successors. Indeed, the ICC Chief Prosecutor, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, has recommended the career diplomat be relieved of his duties.
A slate of high flying and youthful permanent secretaries have been lobbying and jostling intensely in the Muthaura succession, not least due to the pivotal role the office is expected to play in the Kibaki succession and post-succession affairs.
But observers of Kibaki’s presidency think those eyeing to succeed Muthaura before President Kibaki’s retirement are waiting for Godot.
Scholar and political science lecturer at the University of Nairobi Karuti Kanyinga says he does not expect President Kibaki to push Muthaura aside or sack him before his own retirement and handing over ceremony after the next General Election.
Lonely man"President Kibaki is a lonely man and isolated as head of state. His old buddies with whom he founded the Democratic Party are out of power, after being voted out of office or through natural attrition. Elders like Njenga Karume, John Keen, James Nyamweya, Eliud Mwamunga, Benjamin Ndubai, Matu Wamae, David Mwiraria, Matere Keriri, among others, who founded the DP are out of power, some still alive, others passed on. Without people with whom they created values and memories, Kibaki becomes lonely and isolated. Muthaura comes in handy, due to his advanced age and long years in civil service," the scholar said. Dr Kanyinga says Nyeri people made it worse for Kibaki by electing young people of diverse backgrounds, but little interaction with the president.
"Retired President Moi had friends like Mzee Ezekiel Barng’etuny, Mulu Mutisya and former Baringo County chairman, late councillor Joel Beltut, among others, people he trusted to relax and reflect with. Part of Muthaura’s role is to provide that shoulder," Kanyinga said.
Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi says Muthaura’s long and diverse years’ experience in the Civil Service were the credentials that made him indispensable to President Kibaki.
Muthaura’s short break should serve to socialise Kenyans to his eventual retirement.