A Nairobi High Court has extended the temporary orders halting the operations of President William Ruto’s corruption multi-agency team. The orders, which were initially issued in August 2025, will remain in effect until December 9, 2025, when the court will hear and determine the petition filed against the team.
Justice Chacha Mwita made the ruling on September 19, 2025, following a petition challenging the establishment of the team. The multi-agency team, which was formed through an executive proclamation by President Ruto on August 18, 2025, was meant to combat corruption in Kenya. However, the petitioners argue that the establishment of such a team through a presidential order is unconstitutional.
The petitioners, led by human rights activists Doctor Magare Gikenyi and Eliud Matindi, contend that the president does not have the legal authority to form such an agency by executive decree. They assert that under Article 132(4) of the Kenyan Constitution, the president’s powers are limited and do not extend to establishing anti-corruption agencies through executive orders. The petitioners argue that the creation of the multi-agency team undermines constitutional principles and bypasses the proper legal channels for forming public service bodies.
The court’s decision to extend the conservatory orders also blocks any further actions related to the implementation of the multi-agency team’s mandate, including any reports or recommendations made by the team. The petitioners have asked the court to declare the executive order null and void, arguing that the president overstepped his constitutional powers in establishing the team without following due legislative process.
In the latest ruling, Justice Mwita directed all parties involved, including the presidential agency team, the Attorney General (AG), the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and other relevant agencies, to file their responses or submissions within seven days. The court will reconvene on December 9, 2025, for a full hearing of the consolidated petitions.
The petitioners argue that the executive order violates the constitutional separation of powers and challenges the very structure of anti-corruption efforts in the country. This legal battle will continue to shape the future of Kenya’s fight against corruption and the scope of presidential authority in shaping such initiatives.
