Petition Filed Challenging Joho’s Appointment to Cabinet
A human rights organization has filed a petition in the High Court seeking to overturn the appointment of Ali Hassan Joho as the Cabinet Secretary for Mining.
The Genesis for Human Rights Commission claims that the committee responsible for appointments ignored multiple submissions allegedly presenting evidence that Joho is unfit for the role.
Joho assumed his position on August 9, succeeding Salim Mvurya, after taking his oath of office along with 18 other Cabinet appointees in a ceremony led by President William Ruto.
However, the rights group argues that Joho should not have been approved, asserting that he lacks the necessary academic credentials required for the cabinet secretary position.
Caleb Ngwena, the executive director of the organization, says that he, along with other citizens, submitted documents highlighting Joho’s ineligibility, but these were overlooked during the vetting process.
In the submissions, Caleb provided detailed explanations and supporting evidence showing that Joho does not meet the academic qualifications needed for his current role, citing alleged deficiencies in his educational background and claims of economic crimes.
Another concern raised involves Joho’s alleged involvement in drug trafficking, as documented in a report presented in parliament by the late Professor George Saitoti.
Joho was later cleared of any drug-related accusations by the same Professor Saitoti.
“The office of the registrar of political parties also neglected its duty by approving Joho for the state officer role, despite records showing he was the deputy party leader of the Orange Democratic Movement, responsible for overseeing government investments and expenditures,” Caleb added.
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He asserts that the submitted affidavits were not adequately considered during Joho’s vetting process.
“The respondents failed to review our evidence of unsuitability, rendering Joho’s appointment a violation of the constitution,” he emphasized.
The group is urging the court to declare Joho’s appointment unconstitutional and to instruct the relevant authority to nominate a more qualified candidate for the Cabinet Secretary for Mining position.
They are also seeking an injunction preventing Joho from performing his duties as Mining CS until the case is resolved.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi, who presided over the matter, directed that the petition and application be served within seven days.
Responses from the involved parties must be filed and served within 14 days.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, the Committee on Appointments, the EACC, the Commission for University Education, the registrar of political parties, and the attorney general are named as respondents in the case.
Joho is listed as an interested party.
The court will provide further directions on the case on October 17.
Petition Filed Challenging Joho’s Appointment to Cabinet
