The fate of Safaricom Interim CEO, Michael Joseph has been revealed.
Joseph, was on Tuesday relieved of his duties following the appointment of Peter Ndegwa as the new boss of the largest service provider in the country.
Ndegwa’s appointment raised questions on what will happen to the man who was called to temporarily hold down the telecommunications giant.
It is reported that Joseph will take up his new position at the firm as the chairman of the Safaricom board.
The ex boss is set to replace the long serving Nicholas Ng’ang’a who has been at the helm of the board for 12 years.
On whether Ng’ang’a will remain part of the group is yet to be established.
Aside from being chairman, Joseph is set to be Ndegwa’s guide before he takes full control on April 1 2020.
“This was the board’s choice and i will guide him for one year,” remarked the former CEO.
He added that Diageo head was the perfect fit for the role left vacant by the late Bob Collymore.
“Safaricom is ready for a Kenyan Chief Executive.”
“It was the right move politically and professionally,” stated Joseph.
The unveiling of the experienced Ndegwa was however unexpected after Joseph announced his extended stay on Wednesday.
Additional information disclosed that the once head of the Vodacom owned company, was caught unawares as he did not have knowledge that a new person was given the position.
Details have emerged that the government allegedly made up its mind on giving the mantle to a new person, leaving the decision on who it will be, to the local board and foreign shareholders.
Further news claimed that aside from Ndegwa, other candidates for the top job were Head of Business Development Sylvia Mulinge and Technical Director Joseph Ogutu.
The reason why the two were later overlooked by the appointment panel remained a confidential matter.
It was however proclaimed that the committee were looking for someone with a rich amount of experience, that Ndegwa possessed.
Added intel alleged that no shortlist was given for the job.
Ndegwa is set to fill the big shoes once worn by Collymore, who steered Safaricom to the biggest profit in their history.
Collymore was the brainchild behind the Fuliza project which has become the largest overdraft facility on mobile phone.
The estimated borrowing stands at more than Ksh 45 billion with over 8.8 million users.