NEW ENVOYS

Controversy surrounds President Kibaki’s appointment of 25 ambassadors and high commissioners to replace those who were recalled early this month.

A source at the ministry of Foreign Affairs said the appointments of the ambassadors and high commissioners were clouded in controversy as some had not been cleared by the National Security Intelligence Service (NSIS), a mandatory requirement before one is formally appointed to such a top level government position.

“There is a big problem, some of them have not been cleared by intelligence because of their dubious character,” said a senior official at the Foreign Affairs ministry who cannot be named because of the sensitivity of the matter. A total of 115 junior staff were also recalled.

Expected back

Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetang’ula confirmed that ambassadors and high commissioners who have completed their tour of duty were being replaced. “We are in the process,” Mr Wetang’ula said without elaborating further.

Those recalled include Mr Joseph Muchemi (UK), Dr Sospeter Machage (Russia), Mr Mutuma Kathurima (Germany), Mr Rateng Oginga Ogego (US) and Ms Ann Nyikuli (Italy). Others are Mr Mwakai Kikonde Sio (Spain) and Mr Lazarus Amayo (Zambia).

The recalled ambassadors and high commissioners are expected back by May 2 while the junior staff, who include education attaches and accountants are expected home in June.The new high commissioners and ambassadors are undergoing a two-week induction course before reporting to their new stations.