Wamuzi News Ke
President William Ruto is under mounting scrutiny as a high-stakes petition demanding the dissolution of Parliament lands before Chief Justice Martha Koome. The petition, citing Parliament’s failure to enact the constitutionally mandated two-thirds gender rule, marks a significant constitutional confrontation.
Petition Sparks Political Firestorm
Filed by the Crawn Trust, the petition urges the Chief Justice to advise President Ruto to dissolve both the National Assembly and Senate. It argues that despite multiple court orders and deadlines, Parliament has still not passed laws ensuring women hold at least one-third of all elective positions, triggering a constitutional breach.
Historical Gravitas: Echoes of 2020
Critics draw parallels to the 2020 showdown when outgoing CJ David Maraga advised then-President Uhuru Kenyatta to dissolve Parliament after the same rule was ignored. At that time, a High Court ruling suspended implementation, igniting a fierce standoff between the judiciary and executive—an echo now reverberating more than halfway through Ruto’s term.
Implications Roll Wide
If CJ Koome issues an advisory, President Ruto would be constitutionally obliged to dissolve Parliament unless it acts within 14 days—a move that would trigger fresh elections. Analysts warn this could derail the 2027 electoral calendar, opening a constitutional and political crisis.
Political Ring of Fire
Opposition figures and civic groups have seized on the petition, accusing Parliament of willful disregard for constitutional reforms on gender inclusion. Meanwhile, pro-government MPs claim the gender law awaits finalization and accuse petitioners of staging a political stunt—possibly testing Ruto’s willingness to deploy executive power .
CJ Koome’s Moment of Truth
Chief Justice Koome, Kenya’s first female head of the judiciary, now under events she must weigh judicial precedent, constitutional duty, and political repercussions. Her decision—whether to advise dissolution or reject the petition—will set the tone for Kenya’s constitutional fidelity and future gender representation.
What Happens Next
- The CJ’s office will acknowledge receipt of the petition and schedule a review under Constitutional Article 261A.
- A legal window of 14 days opens on any dissolution advice, during which Parliament might scramble to pass the required amendments.
- If dissolved, the president must call for fresh elections, posing major logistical, financial and political challenges ahead of 2027.
This petition is not just a legal formality—it’s a constitutional flashpoint. As CJ Koome weighs the petition, the nation braces for a decision that could alter Kenya’s parliamentary landscape and gender equity trajectory.
