NAIROBI, Kenya – The High Court has suspended President William Ruto’s directive requiring all government entities to compulsorily onboard onto the e-Citizen platform, pending a full hearing of the case.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued the suspension, blocking any punitive action against heads of government institutions who have not implemented the directive.
The judge further directed Kituo Cha Sheria, the petitioners, to serve their application on the Attorney General, Treasury Cabinet Secretary, and the Immigration Principal Secretary—all listed as respondents—by Friday at 5 pm.
The case will proceed with submissions highlighted on January 31, 2024.
The suspension follows a petition by Kituo Cha Sheria and activist Hillary Mokaya, who argue that the directive, issued on November 28, is unconstitutional.
The petitioners claim that the directive lacks a legal framework, as it was imposed without public participation and oversteps Ruto’s powers.
“The directive contravenes the law by undermining the authority of boards, councils, and commissions tasked with managing the affairs of government entities,” the petitioners state.
They further cite the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) as an interested party, arguing that its operational independence must be protected from undue influence.
The petitioners have also asked the court to restrain the removal of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) from office for failing to comply with the directive.
Among the affected institutions are Kenya Power, the Tana Athi Water Works Development Agency, and various banks.
President Ruto had justified his directive, which was announced publicly in a televised speech, as a measure to combat corruption.
He accused government entities of bypassing the e-Citizen platform in favor of alternative payment systems, which, he argued, undermine accountability.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued the suspension, blocking any punitive action against heads of government institutions who have not implemented the directive.
The judge further directed Kituo Cha Sheria, the petitioners, to serve their application on the Attorney General, Treasury Cabinet Secretary, and the Immigration Principal Secretary—all listed as respondents—by Friday at 5 pm.
The case will proceed with submissions highlighted on January 31, 2024.
The suspension follows a petition by Kituo Cha Sheria and activist Hillary Mokaya, who argue that the directive, issued on November 28, is unconstitutional.
The petitioners claim that the directive lacks a legal framework, as it was imposed without public participation and oversteps Ruto’s powers.
“The directive contravenes the law by undermining the authority of boards, councils, and commissions tasked with managing the affairs of government entities,” the petitioners state.
They further cite the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) as an interested party, arguing that its operational independence must be protected from undue influence.
The petitioners have also asked the court to restrain the removal of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) from office for failing to comply with the directive.
Among the affected institutions are Kenya Power, the Tana Athi Water Works Development Agency, and various banks.
President Ruto had justified his directive, which was announced publicly in a televised speech, as a measure to combat corruption.
He accused government entities of bypassing the e-Citizen platform in favor of alternative payment systems, which, he argued, undermine accountability.
