Blow to Ruto as court suspends order to migrate State agency services to eCitizen
The High Court has temporarily suspended President William Ruto's directive to 34 state agencies to migrate their services to the eCitizen.
What you need to know:
- President Ruto accused some agencies of using alternative payment methods, which he said undermined accountability and facilitated corruption.
- Dr Ruto then gave the agencies a week to ensure that all services and revenue payments are processed through the eCitizen platform.
The High Court has temporarily suspended President William Ruto's directive to 34 state agencies to migrate their services to the eCitizen digital platform.
High Court judge Bahati Mwamuye on Wednesday also issued orders blocking the removal of the CEOs of the State agencies for failing to migrate their services to eCitizen as directed by President Ruto.
“Pending the inter-partes hearing and determination of the Application dated 05/12/2024, a conservatory order be and is hereby issued suspending the implementation and operation of the directive issued on 28/11/2024 compelling the 1st to 34th interested parties to compulsorily onboard or migrate to the eCitizen services platform,” the judge ordered.
Kituo Cha Sheria challenged Dr Ruto’s directive on November 28, terming it arbitrary and lacking in procedural fairness.
“The directive undermines the principles of good governance, transparency and accountability as enshrined in the Constitution,” the lobby group said.
During his speech on November 28, President Ruto accused some agencies of using alternative payment methods, which he said undermined accountability and facilitated corruption.
Dr Ruto then gave the agencies a week to ensure that all services and revenue payments are processed through the eCitizen platform.
Kituo Cha Sheria and Mr Hillary Mokaya said the directive lacked transparency and the force of law and therefore undermined respect for the rule of law as required by the Constitution, a value that is fundamental to good governance and public trust.
Mr Mokaya said in implementing the directive, which is not in line with existing laws and regulations, the agencies will be bypassing established legal and administrative procedures, which is a violation of due process.
The lobby also wants the court to issue an order restraining the government and the agencies or their agents from implementing or enforcing the directive issued by President Ruto.
According to Kituo Cha Sheria, the directive violates the values and principles of public service, including high standards of professional ethics; efficient, effective and economical use of resources; and accountability for administrative actions.
The court ordered that the case be heard on January 31, 2025.
