This archive report was first published on 20 December 2019.
On December 20, 2019, the Kenyan justice system dealt a significant blow to governors accused of corruption, as an appellate court upheld a ruling that bars them from accessing their offices.
The ruling, handed down by High Court judge Mumbi Ngugi on July 24, 2019, stated that governors and other state officers charged with corruption should not be allowed to access office until their cases are heard and determined.
Among the governors affected by the ruling is Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal, who was the first county chief to face the consequences of the decision.
Justice Jamila Mohamed, who presided over the issue, reiterated that the decision by the High Court is constitutional, as it did not pronounce that the governor's seat will be vacant.
According to Justice Mumbi, Chapter 6 of the Leadership and Integrity Act requires that conditions be bestowed to safeguard the public interest and prevent governors from office in cases of criminal offenses.
As she stated, 'What message does it send to the citizens if their leaders are charged with serious corruption offenses and are in office the following day, overseeing the affairs of the institution?'
Lenolkulal was arrested on April 2, 2019, alongside his deputy and 11 other county officials over a fuel supply scandal.
Other governors who have also suffered the ruling by the appellate court include Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko.
