NAIROBI, Kenya – Attorney General Dorcas Oduor has urged the High Court to dismiss a petition seeking to block Adams Oloo from taking up his role in the selection panel for hiring new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners.
Oduor argues that the petition, filed by city lawyer Apollo Mboya, lacks evidence to prove that Oloo is unqualified for the position.
In her affidavits, she describes the case as an “abuse of the court process” that could set a dangerous precedent if allowed to proceed.
“The orders sought are unmerited and could have far-reaching and undesirable consequences. The petition is therefore an abuse of the court process and ought to be dismissed,” Oduor states.
Oloo, a former presidential adviser, has also moved to court, asking for the petition to be struck out.
Mboya has questioned Oloo’s eligibility, arguing that his past advisory role to President William Ruto disqualifies him from serving on the panel.
However, Oloo maintains that he resigned from his position as a presidential adviser and as a member of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers on January 24—three days before his appointment to the IEBC selection panel.
“The petition by Apollo dated February 4 is therefore premised on non-existent and misconceived allegations brought with ulterior motive to derail the appointment of IEBC commissioners,” he argues.
Oloo warns that further delays in the selection process could cause uncertainty in the country.
He has asked the court to expedite the matter and dismiss the case against him.
Justice Chacha Mwita has directed the parties to exchange pleadings within 10 days, with further directions set for March 5.
