Some of Kenya’s envoys abroad have been recalled as President Uhuru prepares to replace some diplomats.
At least 20 ambassadors, high commissioners and heads of consulates have been asked to hand over to their immediate juniors.
Sources at the Foreign Affairs ministry revealed that the envoys have been asked to return home by mid-July when the President is expected to have named their replacements.
Among those recalled are ambassador to the United States Elkanah Odembo and consul general in Los Angeles Wenwa Akinyi Odinga.
Also on the list is Ephraim Ngare, Kenya’s High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland, and his colleagues Geoffrey Okanga (Uganda), John Kakonge (Geneva), James Chepsongol (Windhoek) and Mutinda Mutiso (Dar-es-Salam).
Others are Richard Ekai (Bangkok), David Njoka (New Delhi), Benjamin Mweri (Bujumbura), John Abduba (Harare), Joseph Kiplagat (Juba) and Lazarus Amayo (Lusaka).
Also recalled are the heads of the Kenyan consulates in Karachi, Belfast and Montreal. The jobs for the ambassadors are expected to be advertised in the coming weeks.
The successful applicants are set to be vetted by Parliament. Previously, the President would appoint and deploy the envoys at will.
Previous administrations have been accused of having appointed their relatives and cronies to the positions.-The Star
