By TWV Team
A Nairobi lawyer has filed a petition in court to remove all 21 advisers serving President William Ruto, accusing the administration of using these roles to reward political allies and bypass lawful hiring processes.
Lawyer Suiyanka Lempaa, in a petition filed before High Court Judge Bahati Mwamuye, argues that the Office of the President has turned advisory roles into a haven for political allies, creating a ‘parallel civil service’ that undermines public sector integrity.
Lempaa claims the public was not consulted before creating these offices, and the recruitment process lacked transparency. ‘There was no public information about the creation of these offices, nor were public views sought,’ the petition states.
He argues that the law permits only a limited number of presidential staff, and these appointments exceed legal limits. Lempaa seeks to revoke the appointments and compel the advisers to refund all salaries and allowances received.
The petition seeks an injunction to bar the President from appointing additional advisers and to prevent the National Treasury from disbursing payments to the 21 advisers until the case is resolved.
Lempaa insists that civil servants in government ministries can effectively handle many functions performed by the advisers.
President Ruto’s advisory team has grown from seven to 21 since his term began, costing taxpayers over Sh1 billion annually. This expansion contradicts Ruto’s early promise to reduce advisers as part of austerity measures.
Notable advisers include David Ndii, Makau Mutua, Moses Kuria, Monica Juma, and Joseph Boinnet, some serving at ranks comparable to Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries.
Lempaa’s case notes that no law limits the number of presidential advisers, creating a loophole for unchecked political appointments.
The petition contrasts this with former President Mwai Kibaki’s second term, when only three advisers were appointed, highlighting the current administration’s expansion.
‘The proliferation of advisers violates the prudent use of public funds,’ the court documents assert, noting that the President’s advisory structure is redundant and burdensome.
The case, now pending, could set legal precedents for presidential appointments in Kenya.
