The High Court has consolidated three cases challenging the gazettment of Ezekiel Otieno as the Chief Executive Officer of the Export Processing Zones Authority.
Justice Mugure Thande disregarded pleas by counsels representing the petitioners in the case who were seeking more time to peruse all three files to see whether they raise similar issues before they are merged.
Chief State Counsel Emmanuel Bitta who was on record for the Attorney General and CS industrialization said the court 'under the Mutunga rules' has discretion on its motion to consolidate the cases.
“If the court is of the view that the matters raise similar issues, then nothing hinders the court from doing so,” Bitta said.
Thande subsequently proceeded to rule that “In the interest of expediting this matter, I do suo moto (on the court's own motion) consolidate the three petitions.”
The three petitions have been filed by Isack Guyo, Willies Oloo and Duncan Odero.
The judge also extended orders stopping Industrialization CS Moses Kuria from gazetting Ezekiel Otieno as the CEO of the Export Processing Zones Authority until further orders of the court.
The petitioners have cited integrity issues as the sole reason the appointment should not be permitted.
Thande directed the consolidated cases to be listed for June 12 for highlighting of submissions.
