The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and Wanjiru Gikonyo have filed a petition in court seeking to revoke the appointment of the 19 Cabinet Secretaries sworn into office on Thursday.

According to court documents, the petitioners want the court to nullify the appointment of the 19 Cabinet Secretaries because of a lack of Parliamentary accountability and proper public participation and because the vetting process failed to address integrity concerns.

The National Assembly is listed as the first respondent, the Attorney General as the second respondent, and the Law Society of Kenya and Transparency International Kenya are listed as the first and second interested parties in the case.

Further, the appointed CSs are also listed as interested parties in the case.

The petitioners 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 and disregarding public views.

Did you read this?

  1. We Have Stabilized The Economy, Reduced Cost Of Living - Ruto's Cabinet Says
  2. "I Am Not Short Of Things To Do," Moses Kuria
  3. Parliament Approves Dorcas Oduor, Beatrice Askul AG, CS EAC

"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," read the court document in part.

Referring to a recent report by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) of 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."

Additionally, the petitioners want the court to declare, among other things, that the appointment of the Cabinet Secretaries is illegal and direct President William Ruto to initiate a fresh appointment of his Cabinet in adherence to the rule of law.

They also want a declaration against the National Assembly that it contravened 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 appointments.”