Petition filed to revoke appointment of Ruto's new Cabinet

In court documents seen by Citizen Digital, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and Wanjiru Gikonyo, want the court to nullify the appointment of the 19 Cabinet Secretaries on four grounds among them lack of Parliamentary accountability, proper public participation adding that the vetting process failed to address integrity concerns.

The petitioners argue that the vetting process which they term as illegal failed to assess all relevant aspects of a candidate's background, qualifications, and suitability for the role leading to the appointment of individuals unsuitable for their specific roles, at the same time disregarding public views.

"Effective vetting often involves public input, allowing citizens to provide feedback or raise concerns about the candidates. A lack of proper public engagement in the vetting process can prevent important perspectives from being," read a section of the document.

Referring to a recent report by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) pertaining to the conduct of some of the nominees, the applicants say the vetting process failed to address integrity concerns and went on to clear "individuals with potential conflicts of interest or questionable ethics."

The petitioners want the court to declare among other things the appointment of the Cabinet Secretaries illegal and direct President William Ruto to initiate fresh appointment of his Cabinet in adherence to the rule of law.

They also want a declaration issued against the National Assembly that it acted in contravention of the Constitution by disregarding public participation.

"...the National Assembly and its respective committees did not conduct proper vetting as required under the Constitution and the law, that the appointments of the 3rd to 21st Interested Parties are illegal and unconstitutional. and an order for the revocation of the appointments," stated the petitioners.

"An order for mandamus directing the President to initiate a fresh appointment process in compliance with the Constitution."