A human rights lobby group is preparing to file a petition at the High Court seeking to revoke the appointment of former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero as the chairperson of the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC).
The group argues that Kidero’s appointment violates Chapter Six of the Constitution, which emphasizes the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability for public officers.
Kidero’s appointment, announced on November 15, 2024, is set for a three-year term, marking the end of Hussein Tene Debasso’s tenure in the position.
However, the lobby group contends that Kidero’s controversial record in public service disqualifies him from holding such a strategic and sensitive position.
They cite his ongoing court battles and allegations of financial improprieties during his term as Nairobi Governor as grounds for their legal action.
Kidero, who has faced multiple corruption-related cases, has been under scrutiny for alleged irregular acquisition of public funds during his tenure as governor.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has been investigating his financial dealings, including probing six of his bank accounts for suspected involvement in illicit activities.
These unresolved cases, the lobby group asserts, undermine the principles of Chapter Six, which demand that public officers exhibit the highest levels of integrity.
Critics have questioned the rationale behind Kidero’s appointment, arguing that it sets a troubling precedent for public accountability.
The Kenya National Trading Corporation is a key state agency tasked with stabilizing prices of essential goods and ensuring fair trade practices.
Placing an individual with a contentious history at the helm of such an organization, critics argue, could erode public confidence in its operations and mandate.
The lobby group’s planned court challenge highlights broader concerns about Kenya’s adherence to constitutional principles when making public appointments.
Chapter Six of the Constitution was enacted to address historical challenges of corruption and abuse of office by public officials.
However, its implementation has often been criticized as selective and inconsistent, with high-profile individuals seemingly shielded from its full implications.
The upcoming legal battle is expected to draw significant public attention, not only because of Kidero’s high profile but also due to the implications it holds for governance and public trust in Kenya.
If successful, the petition could set a precedent for stricter adherence to constitutional requirements in public appointments. Conversely, failure to address these concerns might deepen public cynicism about the government’s commitment to ethical leadership.
As the court petition looms, the focus now shifts to how the judiciary will handle the matter and whether Kidero’s appointment will withstand the test of constitutional integrity.
