NAIROBI, Kenya — A petition has been filed at the High Court seeking orders to bar Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano from allegedly participating in partisan political campaigns while serving as a State officer.
The petitioner, Francis Awino, argues that Miano’s alleged involvement in political campaigns, mobilisation activities and electoral endorsement events violates constitutional principles governing leadership, integrity and the political neutrality expected of State officers.
In the application, Awino is seeking conservatory orders restraining the Cabinet Secretary from engaging in partisan political activities in her official capacity pending the hearing and determination of the case.
He also wants the court to prohibit Miano from using government vehicles, personnel, security arrangements, public facilities or any other State resources for political campaigns.
According to the petition, the orders are necessary to safeguard constitutional values of accountability, impartiality and prudent use of public resources.
The petitioner has further asked the court to direct the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and other relevant government agencies to preserve official records linked to Miano’s alleged participation in activities associated with the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
The records sought include travel schedules, expenditure records, security deployment logs, communication records and government vehicle movement logs.
Awino is also seeking an order compelling the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate the allegations and file a preliminary status report before the court within 30 days.
In addition, the petition asks the court to require Miano to disclose official travel records, government expenditure and logistical arrangements relating to her visits to Ol Kalou during the campaign period.
The petitioner contends that the matter raises significant constitutional questions touching on leadership and integrity, accountability of State officers, electoral integrity and the alleged misuse of public office.
He argues that continued participation by serving Cabinet Secretaries in partisan political campaigns undermines public confidence in the neutrality and impartiality of government institutions.
However, the application did not receive immediate interim relief.
Justice Lilian Mutende declined to certify the matter as urgent and instead directed the petitioner to serve the respondents and interested parties.
The respondents have been granted 14 days to file their responses before the matter returns to court.
The case will be mentioned before the Presiding Judge at the Ol Kalou High Court on August 3, 2026, for further directions.