President William Ruto
The High Court has suspended President William Ruto's directive requiring government entities to compulsory onboard to the e-Citizen services platform.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye at the same time blocked the removal of heads of the government entities based on the grounds of failure to operationalize Ruto's directive.
The judge directed Kituo Cha Sheria to serve their application on the AG, CS Treasury and PS Immigration who have been listed as respondents in the case. The same is to be done by Friday 5 pm.
Parties will highlight their submissions on January 31, next year,
On November 28, Ruto issued a directive compelling the Chief Executive officers of various institutions to onboard to the platform within one week.
The president issued the directive on the strength that CS Treasury had previously issued a gazette notice in 2014
But the petitioners- Kituo Cha Sheria and Hillary Mokaya say the notices are inconsistent with the constitution as they were issued without public participation and lack the necessary legislative framework.
It's also their argument that Ruto usurped his powers in compelling the entities to onboard to the platform within one week.
"Ruto's directive and its implementation contravenes the law vesting the responsibility of proper management of the affairs of the entities in their respective boards, councils or commission," they say.
They have cited the Independent Policing Oversight Authority as an interested party in the case which they say is not subject to any person or office in the performance of its functions.
Its independence and dignity it says must be safeguarded.
They have asked the court to issue an order preserving the status quo and restrain the removal from office of CEOs of various entities for failing to implement Ruto's directive.
The affected institutions include but are not limited to Tana Athi Water Works Development Agency, Kenya Power, various banks and their CEOs.
Ruto's speech, which was publicly televised was criticized by around 34 entities for bypassing the eCitizen platform and using alternative payment methods, which he claimed undermined accountability and facilitated corruption.
