By Antynet Ford
A petition has been filed in court seeking the revocation of the appointment of President William Ruto’s Cabinet Secretaries a day after they were sworn into office.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and a citizen Wanjiru Gikonyo, are seeking the court to nullify the appointment of the 19 Cabinet Secretaries on four grounds among them lack of Parliamentary accountability, proper public participation adding that the vetting process failed to address integrity concerns.
The petition has listed the National Assembly as the first respondent, and the Attorney General as the second respondent while the Law Society of Kenya and Transparency International Kenya are listed as the first and second interested parties respectively in the case.
The CSs are also listed as interested parties in the case.
The petitioners have argued that the vetting process which they term illegal failed to assess all relevant aspects of a candidate’s background, qualifications, and suitability for the role leading to the appointment of individuals unsuitable for their specific roles, at the same time disregarding public views.
“Effective vetting often involves public input, allowing citizens to provide feedback or raise concerns about the candidates. A lack of proper public engagement in the vetting process can prevent important perspectives from being.” The Court document seen by corporate watch reads in part.
Referring to a recent report by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) about the conduct of some of the nominees, the applicants say the vetting process failed to address integrity concerns and went on to clear
“individuals with potential conflicts of interest or questionable ethics.”
The petitioners want the court to declare among other things the Cabinet appointments illegal and direct President William Ruto to initiate fresh appointment of his Cabinet in adherence to the rule of law.
They also want a declaration issued against the National Assembly that it acted in contravention of the Constitution by disregarding public participation.
“…the National Assembly and its respective committees did not conduct proper vetting as required under the Constitution and the law, that the appointments of the 3rd to 21st Interested Parties are illegal and unconstitutional.
And an order for the revocation of the Cabinet appointments.” They stated in the petition.
“An order for mandamus directing the President to initiate a fresh appointment process in compliance with the Constitution.” The petition added.
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