Kenya’s diplomatic image has once again been dragged into controversy after Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’oei ordered Kenyan Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eng. Peter Tum, to pay over Ksh.1.8 million for an irregular appointment made during his time as Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Medical Training College.
This decision follows a damning finding by the Inspectorate of State Corporations that held him personally responsible for a wrongful and unlawful appointment that cost taxpayers millions.
It is a development that puts into question the integrity of those entrusted with sensitive roles abroad, especially when they carry past records of questionable leadership.
In a letter dated September 4, 2025, Dr. Korir communicated that Tum was liable for the appointment of Dr. Miriam Ndunge Muthoka as Corporation Secretary between November 2015 and January 2022, despite her lacking the qualifications required for the job.
The appointment was ruled not only irregular but also unlawful, showing clear negligence and disregard for public accountability. The PS ordered the ambassador to remit Ksh.1,837,355 to KMTC within 30 days or face automatic salary deductions of Ksh.100,000 monthly until the amount is recovered in full.
The tone of the directive made it clear that the government will not entertain excuses or delays, stating bluntly that recovery will proceed without any further reference to Tum if he fails to comply.
The case has drawn sharp attention because of the position Tum currently holds.
As a diplomat representing Kenya in the DRC, he is expected to safeguard the country’s reputation, yet his past actions at KMTC expose a disturbing record of irregularities. The Inspectorate’s findings, led by James Warui, showed beyond doubt that Tum failed to uphold proper governance standards, and now the surcharge is the price he must pay.
The letter has been copied to senior government officials including Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, signaling how seriously the matter is being treated at the highest levels.
This decision mirrors earlier action against former KMTC Board Chair Prof. Philip Kaloki, who was also surcharged a similar amount over the same irregular appointment.
Kaloki’s attempt to appeal the decision failed in July 2025 when the State Corporations Appeals Tribunal upheld the surcharge, stressing that the appointment of Dr. Muthoka was both irregular and unlawful. The tribunal made it clear that any funds lost due to the illegal placement had to be recovered without compromise.
With both Kaloki and Tum held accountable, it paints a picture of systemic failures at KMTC under their leadership, raising questions about how many other irregularities may have slipped through.
The Inspectorate of State Corporations has the mandate to ensure individuals who misuse authority and cause financial loss are surcharged personally.
Tum’s case reinforces this principle, but it also casts a shadow on Kenya’s foreign service, where individuals with such tainted records are still deployed to represent the country.
The fact that a serving ambassador is being forced to pay back money for negligence committed years ago shows the depth of disregard for accountability within public institutions. It also raises the issue of vetting for senior appointments, as taxpayers should not have to shoulder the consequences of reckless decisions by leaders who later get rewarded with plum diplomatic posts.
This case is not just about the Ksh.1.8 million, but about the integrity of leadership. For an ambassador to be found liable for unlawful actions in his previous office and still remain in such a sensitive post exposes a governance crisis. The surcharge may recover lost money, but the stain it leaves on Kenya’s public service and diplomacy is much harder to erase. The public deserves better than leaders who misuse authority and expect to walk away without accountability.
Eng. Peter Tum’s case is a reminder that misconduct follows leaders wherever they go, and in his position, it is a clear embarrassment to the country.
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