Petition filed seeking removal of KeRRA boss over alleged role in protest violence

A petition has been filed at the High Court seeking the removal of the director-general and chief executive officer of the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), Philemon Kandie over allegations that he financed and coordinated violent, politically motivated protests that swept across the country in June 2025.

The petitioner, Wahome Mucunu who says she is a concerned citizen and advocate of constitutional governance, claims the senior public officer used his position to funnel state funds through shell companies and contractors linked to KeRRA to support a campaign allegedly spearheaded by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

According to the petition, the protests resulted in widespread violence, destruction of property, disruption of public services, economic sabotage, injuries, and loss of life. Mucunu argues that these events, while cloaked as political dissent, were in fact criminal operations that undermined national peace and cohesion.

“The demonstrations were not peaceful. They involved storming public buildings, looting businesses, attacking law enforcement, and inciting ethnic tensions,” reads part of the court papers.

“All this was made possible through illicit financing directly tied to the Respondent’s office.”

The petitioner further claims that intelligence and investigative reports have linked procurement accounts and logistical support for the violent groups to entities associated with the KeRRA boss, who remains a serving public officer drawing a salary from taxpayer funds.

Mucunu accuses the official of violating multiple provisions of the Constitution, including abuse of office, breach of public trust, misuse of public resources, and failure to uphold national values under Chapter Six.

The petition seeks several key orders from the court, including a declaration that the Respondent has violated the Constitution and committed gross misconduct, a permanent injunction barring him from holding any public office.

She is also seeking Orders compelling the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate the misuse of KeRRA funds.

He also wants Directions to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to open criminal proceedings against him for funding unrest;

"An order for the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to probe his role in ethnic incitement," reads court papers

Mucunu insists the officer should be held personally liable for the economic and human toll caused by the unrest, noting that public servants must be held to the highest standards of integrity and accountability.

“The actions of the Respondent are not just unconstitutional—they are dangerous and destabilizing. They threaten national unity and erode public confidence in governance,” Mucunu states in his petition.