The High Court has suspended President William Ruto’s directive requiring government entities to compulsory onboard to the e-Citizen services platform.
The directive, issued on 28th November 2024, forced 35 bosses to migrate to the digital platform or face serious consequences.
However, the petitioners, represented by Kituo Cha Sheria, challenged the directive, arguing that it might lead to adverse effects and violations of procedural or legal rights.
“Pending the hearing of the application filed on 5th December 2024, the court suspends a directive issued on 28th November 2024.
“This directive required the 1st to 34th Interested Parties to onboard/migrate to the eCitizen Services Platform,” the court order read in part.
Also Read: KPLC & EPRA Bosses Among 35 CEOs Warned by Ruto
Judgement of the High Court
Justice Bahati Mwamuye also blocked the removal of the heads of government entities for failing to operationalize Ruto’s orders.
The Petitioners want temporary relief from the enforcement of the directive, arguing it might negatively impact the parties involved.
Further, the judge has issued conservatory orders to ensure no adverse actions are taken against the parties until the application is fully heard.
The detailed timelines ensure all parties have an opportunity to present their case and provide written submissions before the virtual hearing on 31st January 2025.
Among the listed government agencies that Ruto put on notice included Kenya Power Limited Company (KPLC), the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), Kenya Water Institute and the National Cancer Institute of Kenya.
The CEOs of these four agencies are Joseph Siror, Daniel Kiptoo, Leiro Letangule and Dr. Elias Melly
Moreover, other agencies are the Kenya Hospital Authority Trust Fund, Kenya Nutritionist and Detrition Institute, Health Records and Information Managers Board, National Syndemic and Disease Control Council, Occupational Therapy Council of Kenya, and Digital Health Authority.
“There are government agencies that are still dodging, and I want to put them on notice,” Ruto said.
Also Read: 84-Year-Old Woman Sets Record as Oldest eCitizen User
Ruto Asks the CEOs to Resign
Ruto explained that the National Treasury cannot follow up on the revenue collected by the named agencies and directed the CEOs to comply within one week or resign.
“These entities are yet to comply with my directive that their services, payment and revenues must be on eCitizen platform so that Treasury can follow on the revenue collected by the government,
“They have one week to comply otherwise they know what to do. They make use of the door. It is as simple as that,” he said.
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