Wamuzi News Ke
In a dramatic judicial intervention, the High Court today issued a temporary order blocking the swearing‑in of Maina Muiruri and three other appointees to the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), dealing a major blow to ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo and raising questions over executive overreach.
The court ruled against the induction of Muiruri, Susan Karago, Timothy Wanyonyi Chetambe, and Tabitha Mutemi, pending resolution of a petition challenging Kabogo’s appointments.
The petitioners argue that Kabogo moved ahead of a selection panel that had not completed vetting and recommendations required by the Media Council Act, 2023. In a sharp critique of the process, lawyer Peter Wanyama, representing the petitioners, asserted that the gazette notice issued on July 25, 2025 not only confirmed the appointments but paradoxically declared vacancies on the same board—”a blatant contradiction and legal flaw.”
The petitioners further accused CS Kabogo of flagrantly disregarding the statutory procedure by appointing individuals still under panel consideration, thereby pre-empting the lawful recruitment process. They warn this sets a dangerous precedent where loyalty could trump merit in national institutions.
The court’s conservatory orders also prohibit the MCK Chief Executive Officer, David Omwoyo, from making significant decisions requiring board approval, pending the final adjudication of the case.
This legal showdown underscores rising tensions within governance structures, amid concerns that key regulatory bodies are being captured through arbitrary executive action.
The case marks a rare judicial check on Cabinet Secretary powers, reinforcing the importance of procedural integrity.
As the media regulatory body stands in limbo, stakeholders await further developments, with implications for press freedom, institutional independence, and the enforcement of governance laws in the country.
