Uproar as High Court Clears President Ruto's Controversial Govt Appointment

The High Court has ruled that former Murang’a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria is eligible to serve as Chairman of the Public Procurement and Assets Disposal Regulatory Authority (PPADRA) board.

The petition had been filed by Kiroko Ndegwa, who wanted the appointment stopped. He argued that Wa Iria’s past impeachment, graft allegations, and ongoing asset forfeiture cases showed he lacked the integrity required for the position. 

He also pointed to earlier reports by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), which had raised concerns about the former governor’s suitability for public office.

The court, however, noted that Wa Iria’s 2017 impeachment was overturned by the Senate after it found that the allegations did not meet the threshold for removal.

It further stated that investigations and pending cases do not automatically disqualify a person from holding public office.

Wa Iria told the court that he remains innocent until proven otherwise and that no law bars him from taking up the role.

In his judgment, Justice Benjamin Musyoki held that the issues raised in the petition were not strong enough to block the appointment. 

He said Wa Iria met the legal requirements under Chapter Six of the Constitution and the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act.

The judge also stressed that decisions on a person’s suitability for public office rest with the EACC. 

He added that the President or any other public officer cannot overturn EACC findings unless through a court process.

Last year, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions recommended that Wa Iria and several former county officials face charges linked to alleged procurement irregularities worth KSh140 million. 

Months later, he was appointed to the procurement regulatory board by President William Ruto.

The court’s ruling now clears the way for him to continue serving in the position.