Kenyan Foreign Policy has learned that Kenya’s new ambassador to Russia, Peter Mathuki, presented his credentials to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a formal ceremony held on November 5.

The event took place in the Alexander Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace, where Mathuki and other foreign envoys were welcomed by President Putin.

This credentialing ceremony, traditionally held several times a year, marked the first one of 2024.

The previous ceremony occurred on December 4, 2023, when Putin last received credentials from incoming ambassadors.

Mathuki’s appointment as ambassador comes as Russia deploys a seasoned diplomat to Nairobi, strengthening diplomatic representation between the two nations.

His new role in Moscow follows recent scrutiny over his tenure as Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC).

Earlier this year, Mathuki faced criticism and calls for impeachment over alleged misappropriation of EAC funds.

During the March 6 debate on President William Ruto’s speech at the 5th East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) session in Nairobi, Ugandan MP Dennis Namara, chair of EALA’s finance sub-committee, raised concerns about unappropriated funds.

Namara claimed that over $6 million was spent without parliamentary approval, breaching EAC financial regulations.

This led to an audit by a regional body of auditors general from all EAC partner states, overseen by Kenya’s Auditor General Nancy Gathungu.

While the audit has concluded, the findings have not yet been released.

Following these events, President Ruto recalled Mathuki and appointed him as Kenya’s top diplomat in Moscow.

Mathuki’s arrival in Moscow comes amid Kenya’s closer ties with Western allies, many of whom back Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

Kenya has voiced strong support for Ukraine at the United Nations, consistently condemning Russia’s actions in the ongoing conflict.