Envoys summoned for fresh directives

By NATION CORRESPONDENT
Posted  Monday, April 15  2013 at  23:30

The government has summoned all ambassadors for briefing and consultation, the Foreign Affairs ministry has said.

Permanent secretary Thuita Mwangi said in a statement on Monday the 52 envoys had been instructed to come home for new briefing.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to clarify that the ambassadors and high commissioners have been instructed to come to Nairobi for purposes of briefing and consultations with the new administration,” the statement said.

A directive from the Office of the President on Sunday recalling the envoys said it was in line with reforms and redefinition of Kenya’s foreign policy by the new government.

“The charge de affaires/deputy ambassadors or high commissioners will look after the affairs of the foreign stations, until further notice,” said Head of Public Service Francis Kimemia.

According to article 132 (2) of the Constitution, the President shall nominate and, with the approval of the National Assembly, appoint, and may dismiss the Cabinet Secretaries, in accordance with Article 152, the Attorney-General, in accordance with Article 156, the Secretary to the Cabinet in accordance with Article 154, Principal Secretaries in accordance with Article 155, high commissioners, ambassadors and diplomatic and consular representatives.

Appoint or dismiss

The Constitution also empowers the President to appoint or dismiss any other State or public officer.

The summon comes days before President Kenyatta names his Cabinet to drive the Jubilee agenda and also implement its manifesto.

Mr Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto are expected to name their team that includes Cabinet Secretaries, head of parastatals and diplomats on Wednesday.