Court Suspends Ruto Team Investigating Shakahola Massacre, Granting a Win for Raila
The High Court suspended President William Ruto’s decision to appoint a judicial inquiry committee to investigate the Shakahola massacre on Monday, May 29.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi determined that the Azimio coalition’s petition raised serious issues, necessitating court intervention.
In addition, Justice Mugambi stated that the Police, Senate, and Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHCR) were already conducting investigations into the matter using public funds and resources.
He noted that the commission’s activities would necessitate the use of more public funds. Which was not in the best interests of Kenyans.
Justice Mugambi added that it would be a waste of public funds. If the court determined that the commission led by Justice Lessit was appointed unconstitutionally.
“It is in the public interest to allow the Commission of Inquiry to convene at the expense of the public prior to the resolution of the presented constitutional challenges. “My response is no,” the judge declared.
ALSO READ: Raila’s Lawsuit Halts Shakahola Commission: Court Orders Suspension
On Monday, May 22, the High Court halted the commission’s meetings pending a final decision.
Paul Mwangi, the attorney for Azimio, wanted Justice Jessie Lessit excluded from the proceedings. On the grounds that she had been compromised by her appointment to head the commission. Whose formation and composition the coalition had opposed.
He stated, “She cannot be paid by the executive director while simultaneously serving in the Judiciary.”
Azimio’s petition argued that the formation of the Lessit-led commission was unconstitutional. And that the president lacked the authority to command its formation.
According to opposition leader Raila Odinga. Only Parliament has the authority to create a commission of inquiry into the Shakahola massacre.
“The president does not have the authority to determine the composition of a court or independent tribunal or who sits on the bench of a court or independent tribunal.
“We reiterate that only the Judicial Service Commission is authorized by the Constitution to recruit qualified individuals to serve on tribunals,” the petition stated in part.
Court Suspends Ruto Team Investigating Shakahola Massacre, Granting a Win for Raila
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