A Nakuru-based doctor, Magare Gikenyi, along with two other citizens, has filed a petition in court challenging the recent appointments made by President William Ruto of former governors and politicians to various state corporations.
The petitioners argue that these appointments are unconstitutional, violate legal requirements for public service recruitment, are discriminatory, and are based on political favouritism.
Dr Gikenyi, along with Dishon Keroti Mogire and Philemon Abuga Nyakundi, is contesting the appointment of the individuals to non-executive chairperson roles.
They argue that the appointments were made without proper adherence to the law by the presidency.
The case stems from the December 20, 2024, decision in which President Ruto, through a press release by Felix Koskei, the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, announced the appointment of Antony Mwaura as Chairman of the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), after moving him from his position as Chairman of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
Former Laikipia Governor Nderitu Muriithi, former Deputy Speaker of the Senate Kembi Gitura, and former Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria were also appointed to non-executive chairperson roles at KRA, Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital, and the Public Procurement Regulatory Board (PPRB), respectively.
The petitioners argue that the appointments do not adhere to the legal framework established under Article 232 of the Constitution.
They assert that appointments to public office must follow merit-based and transparent procedures, which they claim were bypassed in these appointments.
In an affidavit, Dr Gikenyi emphasized that Mwaura “lacks the necessary expertise in any of the specified fields, and his appointment is therefore in direct contravention of the law.”
