President William Ruto has secured temporary relief after the Court of Appeal of Kenya suspended a High Court decision that had declared his 21-member Council of Advisors unconstitutional.
In a ruling delivered on Friday, March 13, the appellate court granted orders staying the earlier judgment, allowing the advisors to remain in office pending the hearing and determination of an appeal filed by the Office of the Attorney General of Kenya.
The judges noted that removing the advisors at this stage could interfere with the smooth functioning of the presidency.
The court observed that dismissing the advisors immediately could “disrupt the operations of the President’s office.”
The decision effectively suspends a prior ruling by Justice Bahati Mwamuye, who in January had issued orders stopping the government from paying salaries or benefits to the advisors.
Justice Mwamuye had ruled that the appointment of the advisors was unconstitutional, triggering a legal battle over the role and legality of the advisory team formed by the President.
However, following the appeal by the Attorney General, the Court of Appeal has now lifted the injunction, meaning the advisors can continue serving in their roles and receiving their benefits until the case is fully determined.
The Council of Advisors was established to support the President and the broad-based government by offering policy guidance and strategic advice on key national issues.
The latest ruling is seen as a major legal reprieve for President Ruto as the government awaits the final determination of the appeal.
