Justice Mwamuye has certified as urgent a petition challenging the controversial City Hall deal with the National Government.
The petition was filed by Christine Gathoni and Benard Peter challenging the Cooperation Agreement signed on February 17, 2026, between the National Executive Government and the Nairobi City County Government.
Filed through a Notice of Motion Application on February 18, 2026, the petition, seeks certification and empanelment, as well as conservatory orders.
“Noting that the Petitioners/Applicants’ Notice of Motion Application dated 18/02/2026 impugns the Cooperation Agreement dated 17thFebruary 2026 between the National Executive Government and Nairobi City County Government AND it also prays for certification and empanelment pursuant to Article 165(4) of the Constitution in addition to prayers on conservatory orders, the Petitioners/Applicants’ Notice of Motion Application dated 18/02/2026 be and is hereby certified as urgent and consequently it shall be heard
and determined on priority,” read part of the court notice.
Court Certifies Urgent Case Over State House Takeover of Nairobi County
The court has directed that the petitioners must immediately serve the respondents and interested parties with the application, petition, and court instructions, and submit proof of service by the end of business on February 20, 2026.
The respondents and interested parties must file and serve their responses by February 27, 2026, while the petitioners may file a rejoinder and written submissions by March 6, 2026.
Written submissions in reply are due by March 11, 2026, with any rebuttal by the petitioners to be filed by March 13, 2026.
The matter will be heard virtually on March 16, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., through written submissions.
Also Read: Govt to Counter Illegal Connections in Nairobi Estates After Signing Deal with Sakaja
Sakaja Signs Cooperation Deal with Ruto
On February 17, Nairobi Governor, Johnson Sakaja, officially signed a cooperation deal with the national government in a move that will set the stage for collaboration in the management of key city functions.
President William Ruto affirmed the national government’s commitment to modernizing Nairobi.
In his speech, Governor Sakaja clarified that the deal did not transfer the mandate to the national government but rather sets the stage for collaboration.
Also Read: National Govt to Finally Take Over Nairobi County from Sakaja
He argued that the agreement will help Nairobi tackle illegal connections and enhance service delivery across the capital.
Sakaja also noted that with the support of the national government, Nairobi has already increased the water supply by 140 million liters per day through the Northern Collector Tunnel, and plans are underway to add nearly 200 million liters daily through new water projects.
He stressed that the signed deal would help curb illegal water connections in Nairobi’s estates, ensuring residents have access to clean, regulated water while promoting order, dignity, and opportunity in the capital.
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