The High Court in Kenya has suspended President William Ruto's executive order establishing a multi-agency anti-corruption taskforce, pending determination of a petition challenging its legality. Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued conservatory orders, halting the implementation of the Presidential Proclamation.

• The taskforce, unveiled on August 18, was intended to streamline Kenya's anti-corruption fight.
• The petition, filed by Dr. Magare Gikenyi and others, argues the taskforce undermines independent constitutional bodies already mandated to fight graft.
• The court will hear the matter virtually on September 9 to confirm compliance and issue directions for an expedited hearing, aiming to conclude by December 4.

Hours after President William Ruto announced the formation of a Presidential Multi-Agency Team on the War Against Corruption (MAT-WAC), a petition has been filed challenging its legality. Dr. Magare Gikenyi and three other petitioners argue that the President overstepped his constitutional mandate.

• What: Petition filed against President Ruto's new anti-corruption team, MAT-WAC.
• Who: Petitioners include Dr. Magare Gikenyi, surgeon; Eliud Karanja Matindi; Philemon Abuga Nyakundi; and Dishon Keroti Mogire.
• When: The petition was filed less than a day after President Ruto's announcement on August 18, 2025.
• Why: Petitioners claim the President lacks constitutional authority to create such a body and that it undermines independent institutions like the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
• Implication: The petitioners seek to declare MAT-WAC unlawful, irregular, and unconstitutional, urging the court to halt its implementation.

The High Court has temporarily blocked President William Ruto's initiative to form a multi-agency team dedicated to combating graft. This decision, issued by Justice Bahati Mwamuye on Wednesday, August 20, halts the team's implementation pending further legal proceedings.

• A conservatory order was issued, staying the operation of the Presidential Proclamation on the Establishment of the Multi-Agency Team on War Against Graft.
• The ruling follows a petition filed by Magare Gikenyi and three other complainants, arguing that Ruto's proclamation violated constitutional provisions and overreached the EACC's mandate.
• Respondents and interested parties have until August 29, 2025, to file their responses, with a goal for expedited hearing and determination of the matter within 90 days.