New details have emerged on why President Uhuru Kenyatta’s advisor Abdikadir Mohamed turned down an ambassadorial appointment.
The former Mandera Central legislator who was also President Kenyatta’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs advisor, politely declined to take up his new posting as Kenya’s ambassador to South Korea.
Abdikadir had been nominated by the President on February 13 alongside Attorney General Kihara Kariuki, Solicitor General Ken Ogeto and re-designation of Njee Muturi as deputy Chief of Staff.
Sources who spoke to the Sunday Standard maintained that the former MP courteously declined the position on personal grounds.
[caption caption="Former Mandera Central MP Abdikadir Mohamed"]
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"It was a painful decision especially knowing his dedication to service of his country and the immense respect he has for the presidency,” a source told Standard.
The sources revealed that the personal grounds which have since been accepted by the President include concern for his young family, career mismatch fears and his passion for the private sector.
It further emerged he felt that his expertise would be less needed as an Ambassador and there were more suitable Kenyans to execute the task at hand.
When contacted for comment by the Standard, the former MP maintained: "I am afraid I cannot comment on the matter of my nomination suffice to say I am most grateful to His Excellency for the trust he has bestowed on me now and in the past."
In 2013, Abdikadir became the first MP to announce retirement from politics after serving only one term.
[caption caption="Former Mandera Central MP Abdikadir Mohamed"]
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He also served as a legal advisor to retired President Kibaki in the transition period before he was fully incorporated in President Kenyatta's government when he was sworn into office in 2013.
