By MUGUMO MUNENE mmunene@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Saturday, January 28 2012 at 22:40
Posted Saturday, January 28 2012 at 22:40
Former Civil Service chief Francis Muthaura’s career spanning more than 30 years has effectively come to an end because of the ICC case against him.
Mr Muthaura, sources familiar with his diary this week told the Sunday Nation, intended to resign altogether after charges against him were confirmed by the ICC.
The career civil servant had guests visiting him at his Rongai home that included Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Cabinet minister Kiraitu Murungi on the day that the verdict was delivered.
It was soon after the announcement that Mr Muthaura had wanted to issue a statement announcing his resignation “in order to demonstrate respect for the court,” according to the sources.
But he was advised to first consult President Kibaki before making the decision which culminated in a Harambee House meeting later that evening.
Many who know the grey-haired Mr Muthaura describe him as an accomplished administrator, a diplomat, a tough negotiator, a champion of regional integration, a reformer and a visionary leader.
But at all times he has been and has lived his life as a consummate civil servant. That life appears to have been cut short by the charges that belie Mr Muthaura’s quiet demeanour.
In the sunset of his years in the civil service, he faces charges of crimes against humanity.
In all likelihood, Mr Muthaura will not be returning to office since the court process is likely to take longer than the balance of President Kibaki’s remaining time in office.
And he appeared to give his parting shot when he issued a statement on the ruling: “It has been an honour of my life to serve this country for more than three decades.
“I owe this country a great deal, and I have dedicated my life to serving her diligently, faithfully and to the best of my ability.”
He began his career in the public service in 1972 when he joined central government as a district officer in the Coast region after graduating from the University of Nairobi.
He would gradually rise through the ranks of government and spend a considerable part of his civil service career in the diplomatic service.
Upon the expiry of his term at the East African Community, Mr Muthaura was promptly recalled by the government to join the mainstream civil service as the permanent secretary in the ministry of Information and Transport before he was transferred to the ministry of Transport.
With the much heralded change in government following the 2002 General Election, there was little surprise within the civil service and international community when Mr Muthaura was called upon by the third government to take on an even greater responsibility within the civil service.
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