Kampala – A report alleging the misappropriation of $6 million in Peace Facility Funds by former East African Community (EAC) Secretary General Peter Mathuki has sparked a division within the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
During a recent session in Kampala, EALA Speaker James Ntakirutimana sent the contentious report back to the Legal and Rules Committee, following protests from Kenyan representatives who challenged its findings.
The report, a culmination of investigations into alleged financial mismanagement, accused Dr. Mathuki of sidestepping the EAC’s Financial Rules and Regulations.
Instead of convening an extraordinary session of the Council to review and approve expenditure, Mathuki reportedly sought authorization from the Council's chairperson directly, a move deemed contrary to the established protocols.
Despite the committee's recommendation to take “appropriate action” against Mathuki, citing a violation of EAC treaty and community laws, the findings have met with significant opposition from Kenya’s EALA members.
They argue the report may harm Kenya's standing within the EAC, as well as potentially cast a shadow on prominent national figures.
The funds in question, designated for the EAC’s Peace Facility, were intended for initiatives promoting stability across member states.
Sources say procedural lapses in its use could undermine the credibility of EAC’s financial governance and the Assembly’s reputation for upholding transparency.
The Assembly session saw intense debate, leading to a suspension of proceedings in hopes of reaching a consensus. Speaker Ntakirutimana, aiming to de-escalate the discord, redirected the report to the Legal and Rules Committee for further examination.
“I am referring this report back to the committee as per Rule 7(2) for additional investigation,” he stated, adjourning the meeting until next Tuesday.
Mathuki’s leadership as Secretary General has been scrutinized in recent months over various alleged irregularities, including unauthorized fund allocation and questionable staff recruitment practices.
His critics assert that such issues undermine the principles of accountability and unity upon which the EAC was founded.
With the report’s referral for further investigation, EALA members and the wider East African community await clarity on the way forward.
For now, Ntakirutimana’s decision is seen as an attempt to restore order while the Assembly grapples with the complex task of balancing national interests within a united regional framework.