President Kenyatta Hands Kalonzo Peace Monitoring Role

Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has travelled to Juba to assume a new role as a peace envoy in the ongoing reconciliation process in South Sudan.

In his new role, Musyoka will head the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) on peace in South Sudan, Capital FM reports. 

The Africa's 54th nation has remained in conflict since it attained independence in 2011 despite President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar signing several peace agreements.

Sources with the government say President Kenyatta appointed Musyoka to the position last week but no official communication has been made from State House.

Speaking at the burial of Musyoka's father Peter Mairu on Saturday, President Uhuru hinted at appointing the Wiper leader as a special peace envoy.

"I am grateful that Raila has been given a job by AU … He will be able to contribute here and don’t you think he will bring some money to Kenya? My brother Kalonzo should (also) help us to bring the country together and foster peace for all Kenyans and even internationally. Every leader has something to contribute … all we need is to give each other space and respect one another!” said Kenyatta.

Kalonzo's new role was previously held by former Botswana President Festus Mogae, who stepped down in August.

The commission was former by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which has been monitoring the peace process in the world's youngest country since 2013.

Over 2.5 million people have been displaced by the war in South Sudan, while thousands others have been killed.