NAIROBI, Kenya — The Office of the Attorney General has urged the High Court to dismiss a constitutional petition challenging the hosting of the 2026 National Prayer Breakfast at a five-star hotel, arguing that the case raises no constitutional violation and improperly seeks to interfere with parliamentary processes.
The petition, filed by lawyer Lempaa Suyianka, names the Parliamentary Service Commission, the National Assembly, the Senate, the Attorney General, and the Commission on Administrative Justice as respondents.
Suyianka seeks orders to stop Parliament and related offices from organising the event using public funds and requests the court to certify the matter as urgent, including a restraining order pending the hearing.
In its grounds of opposition, the Attorney General contends that the petitioner’s reliance on Article 35 of the Constitution on access to information is misplaced, noting that the right is not absolute and must follow statutory procedures, including the Access to Information Act and parliamentary protocols.
On claims of discrimination under Article 27, the State argues that the allegations are vague, unsubstantiated, and unsupported by evidence.
The Attorney General asserts that holding the event at a five-star venue does not, by itself, constitute discrimination.
The petition also allegedly invites judicial interference with parliamentary processes, contrary to the doctrine of separation of powers.
Regarding public expenditure, the Attorney General states that the petition fails to demonstrate any illegality, misappropriation, or unconstitutional spending, arguing that questioning the venue or cost does not amount to a justiciable constitutional issue.
“The holding of a national prayer breakfast or similar national event does not, per se, amount to a violation of the doctrine of separation of powers,” the Attorney General emphasizes.
The Office of the Attorney General is now urging the High Court to dismiss the petition with costs.
