NAIROBI, Kenya — The High Court has ruled that President William Ruto acted unconstitutionally in establishing a national task force to review police welfare without consulting other constitutional offices.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi determined that the President overstepped his authority by unilaterally creating the 23-member task force, which was chaired by former Chief Justice David Maraga.
The court declared the task force and all its actions null and void, dealing a significant setback to the administration’s efforts to reform police welfare.
In his judgment, Justice Mugambi cited a lack of proper procedure and consultation, emphasizing that constitutional guidelines must be followed when establishing such bodies.
“The Constitution provides clear protocols for forming and managing commissions or task forces that affect public offices. The President’s unilateral decision undermines these principles,” he noted.
The ruling means that any recommendations, findings, or changes proposed by the Maraga-led task force cannot be implemented, throwing into question the future of planned reforms to police salaries, benefits, and working conditions.
This development adds to ongoing debates over the proper limits of presidential power and the need for adherence to constitutional frameworks, even in matters as pressing as police welfare.
The government’s next steps remain uncertain, as the ruling underscores the importance of constitutional compliance in addressing critical national issues.
