Gachagua’s Ally Warns Ruto as Cabinet Faces Fresh Legal Challenges Over Gender Rule

Former Laikipia Woman Representative and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) National Women Leader Cate Waruguru has warned President William Ruto that his administration could face fresh legal challenges over its failure to comply with the constitutional two-thirds gender principle.

Waruguru accused the President of ignoring a court directive requiring him to reconstitute his Cabinet to meet the constitutional threshold, noting that the deadline had expired without any announcement from State House.

Speaking on Sunday, November 1, 2026, the former legislator questioned Ruto’s silence despite the expiry of the court-imposed deadline, warning that continued non-compliance could undermine the legality of government decisions.

She also reminded the President of his previous promises to Kenyan women during political engagements, accusing him of failing to honour his commitment to ensure adequate female representation in his administration.

Waruguru argued that the gender imbalance went beyond Cabinet appointments, insisting that women must have meaningful representation in government institutions where major national decisions are made.

She threatened to challenge Cabinet decisions and national budgets in court, arguing that government operations should not continue without adherence to constitutional requirements.

Her warning comes amid growing legal pressure on the Ruto administration following a June 30, 2026, High Court ruling that declared the composition of the Cabinet unconstitutional over failure to meet the two-thirds gender principle.

A three-judge bench comprising Justices Eric Ogola, Stephen Githinji and Jairus Ngaah established that the 25-member Cabinet consisted of 18 men and seven women, falling short of the requirements under Article 27(8) of the Constitution.

The judges directed Ruto to reconstitute his Cabinet within 120 days to ensure that neither gender occupied more than two-thirds of the positions. At least nine women would be required to meet the threshold in a Cabinet of 25 members.

The compliance deadline expired on October 28, 2026, without the President announcing changes to the Cabinet.

The administration suffered another setback on October 29 when the Court of Appeal declined to suspend the High Court orders, leaving the compliance directive in force as the legal proceedings continue.

Waruguru’s latest remarks have intensified pressure on the President to address the constitutional dispute, with the possibility of further court battles emerging over the composition and decisions of his Cabinet.

https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/cate-waruguru-warns-ruto-as-cabinet-faces-legal-battle-over-two-thirds-gender-rule

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