Just In: Ruto’s Cabinet Lands in Big Trouble as High Court Makes This Bold Move

A fresh legal battle has emerged over the composition of President William Ruto’s Cabinet, with the High Court being asked to freeze the salaries of Cabinet Secretaries over alleged violations of the constitutional gender rule.

The petition has sparked renewed debate about the government’s commitment to constitutional requirements, particularly the provisions seeking to ensure gender balance in public appointments.

The petitioner is seeking court intervention to stop Cabinet Secretaries from receiving their salaries until the government addresses the alleged constitutional violations.

The move places the Ruto administration under renewed pressure over the implementation of the two-thirds gender principle, which seeks to ensure that neither gender occupies more than two-thirds of positions in public institutions.

Kenya’s Constitution provides for equality and non-discrimination in public appointments, with Article 27 outlining the requirement for fair representation of both men and women.

The gender principle has remained a contentious issue in the country, with successive administrations facing criticism over delays in implementing the constitutional requirement.

The latest petition could therefore reignite discussions about whether the government has done enough to promote gender equality in senior public offices.

Cabinet Secretaries are among the most senior officials in the Executive, serving as heads of various government ministries and overseeing the implementation of government policies.

Freezing their salaries would be a significant development if the court grants the orders being sought.

However, the petition is yet to be determined, meaning the Cabinet Secretaries will continue serving unless the court issues specific orders affecting their positions or remuneration.

The case also comes at a politically sensitive moment as Kenyans continue to scrutinise government appointments and demand accountability from public officials.

The court’s eventual decision could have wider implications for future public appointments and the enforcement of constitutional gender requirements.

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