September 1 2009
President Mwai Kibaki (right) talks to the head of civil service and secretary to the cabinet Francis Muthaura at a past event. Muthaura formally resumed duty on Tuesday after undergoing surgery in South Africa. PHOTO/ FILE

Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura has resumed duty after a two-month absence due to sickness.

Government spokesman Alfred Mutua said in a statement that Mr Muthaura, who is also secretary to the Cabinet, reported to his Harambee House office on Tuesday.

“Mr Francis Muthaura resumed his full duties today (Tuesday). He worked from his office in Harambee House,” read the statement.

Mr Muthaura was taken ill at his residence in late June and admitted to the Nairobi Hospital for three days before he was flown to South Africa for specialist treatment.

He was treated at Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg for a heart condition, a problem characterised by narrowed arteries.

Treatment for such a problem involves repairing blood vessels in and around the heart which may have narrowed or got blocked due to a combination of factors, among them age and lifestyle.

Mr Muthaura has been recuperating at his in Ongata Rongai home since his return from South Africa on July 25.

He spent the better part of Tuesday in meetings with senior officials. One such meeting was with National Security and Provincial Administration permanent secretary Francis Kimemia, who had been acting in his position.

A senior official at the Cabinet office, Mr Sam Mwale, acted as secretary during some Cabinet meetings.

Intense speculation

He was secretary in the crucial meeting that resolved that the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission will preside over post-election violence matters instead of a special tribunal.

Mr Muthaura is expected to resume his duties as secretary to the Cabinet at this week’s meeting.

nation.co.ke