Petitioner wants court to halt recruitment of new Veterinary Directorate CEO citing breaches

In his petition, David Khaemba argued that the recruitment process, held between June 2 to 3, 2026, breached provisions in the Employment and Labour Relations Act and that there lacked transparency and procedural fairness of the recruitment process for the position.

He also posited that the process was in breach of Article 232 of the Constitution which requires that public appointments should be undertaken on the basis of merit, transparency, accountability and equal opportunity. 

"The petition raises substantial constitutional questions touching on conflict of interest, transparency, access to information, public participation, legality of the recruitment process and the composition of the recruiting body," read court documents in part. 

"That the sole purpose of these proceedings is to ensure that the eventual appointment, if any, emanates from a process that fully complies with the Constitution and the law."

The Attorney General, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate Council, Head of Public Service and the Agriculture Cabinet Secretary have been mentioned as respondents.

He believes that that the process was disclosed in a manner that impeded appropriate public scrutiny.

"The Respondents have failed to avail sufficient information to enable the public to independently verify the fairness, competitiveness and integrity of the recruitment process," he added.

Khaemba now wants the court to halt the process, saying that an appointment should not proceed with the alleged illegalities remaining a matter of contention.

Justcie David Nderitu has ordered the respondents to await the ruling set for June 25, 2026.