Nairobi County Finance and Economic Planning Executive Committee Member (CECM) Charles Kerich has been ordered to surrender at Industrial Area Remand Prison to begin serving a three-month jail term.
The decision follows a long-running legal dispute involving the Nairobi County Government’s failure to pay KSh106.7 million in legal fees, with the High Court finding that Kerich failed to comply with orders requiring settlement of the amount.
Court Upholds Three-Month Jail Sentence Against Kerich
In its ruling on July 7th 2026, the High Court, by Justice Francis Gikonyo of the Milimani High Court , directed Kerich to immediately present himself at Industrial Area Prison.
Also Read:Â Wavinya Ndeti Sacks Finance Chief Ahead of Impeachment
Kerich had moved to court seeking relief from the sentence, arguing for temporary orders to stop his imprisonment as he pursued further legal action.
The court has maintained that the earlier decision remained valid and ordered him to begin serving the three-month term.
The sentence was issued after the court found Kerich guilty of contempt of court for failing to honour directives requiring Nairobi County to settle the outstanding legal fees.
The court ruled that the orders had been issued and communicated, but compliance had not been achieved.
“I decline to set aside or suspend the sentence imposed by this court,” Justice Gikonyo ruled.
Justice Gikonyo emphasized that court orders must be respected by all persons, including public officials, and that failure to comply undermines the authority of the judiciary.
The KSh106.7 Million Legal Fees Dispute Behind the Case
The contempt proceedings stem from a dispute involving Kwengu & Company Advocates, who had obtained court orders directing Nairobi County to pay legal fees of KSh106.7 million.
The payment was linked to an earlier case involving Foton East Africa Limited, in which Nairobi County Government was directed to release funds following the court judgment.
The court issued A Certificate of Order Against the Government, formalizing the obligation to pay.
The advocates argued that despite the existence of court orders, Nairobi County failed to honour the payment directive. They subsequently filed contempt proceedings against Kerich, citing his role as the county official responsible for the finance docket.
The court found that Kerich had a responsibility to ensure compliance with financial obligations from lawful court decisions. His failure to ensure payment formed the basis of the contempt conviction.
Also Read:Â Patrick Analo: Profile of Nairobi County Chief Officer for Urban Development and Planning
Sakaja Appoints Acting Nairobi CECM
Following the court ruling that Kerich should serve a three-month jail term in June, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja suspended him from office. On June 5th 2026, Sakaja appointed Ibrahim Auma Nyangoya as the acting CECM.
On the day Kerich was suspended by Sakaja, the county head also suspended Nairobi Officer for Urban Development and Planning, Patrick Analo, over corruption allegations involving Ksh65 million.
“Ibrahim Auma Nyangoya shall act in the capacity of the County Executive Member for Finance and Economic Planning effective immediately,” said Sakaja.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
