The High Court in Nairobi has ruled that retired presidents are barred from holding office in political parties for longer than six months after leaving the presidency.

• The court dismissed a petition challenging Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act.
• Petitioners Peter Odhiambo Agoro, Paul Muiruri Kiguathi, and Damon Onyango Osawa argued the law violated political rights.
• Justice Lawrence Mugambi stated that retired presidents hold a distinct constitutional category, and the restriction aims to safeguard democracy and prevent state capture by former heads of state.

The High Court has upheld a law preventing retired presidents from holding leadership positions in political parties for longer than six months after leaving office.

• The restriction, part of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, was challenged but deemed constitutional by Justice Lawrence Mugambi.
• The ruling means former Heads of State can remain politically active but cannot hold official party leadership roles beyond the specified period.
• This decision comes amid ongoing discussions about the political involvement of retired leaders, including concerns raised about former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has accepted a High Court ruling that prohibits retired presidents from holding political party leadership roles for more than six months post-office, paving the way for a leadership handover.

• The ruling upholds Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act.
• Key figures involved include former President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Jubilee party.
• This decision resolves a long-delayed leadership transition within the Jubilee party, which was previously stalled by internal disputes.