High Court Issues Directives on Petition Challenging Ruto-Sakaja Deal
President Ruto and Governor Sakaja on Tuesday signed a cooperation deal which saw the national and county governments commit to joint management of key urban services...
✨ Key Highlights
The High Court has declared a petition challenging the cooperation deal between the national government and Nairobi County as urgent, setting the stage for a hearing on March 16. This agreement, signed between President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, is being scrutinized for its constitutional implications.
- The petition, filed on February 18 by two Kenyans, argues the deal undermines devolution by allowing the national government to intervene directly in county functions.
- Justice Bahati Mwamuyi certified the case as urgent, acknowledging its public interest and potential impact on Nairobi residents.
- Respondents have until February 27 to file their responses, with subsequent submissions scheduled for March 13.
- The petitioners are seeking conservatory orders to halt the agreement's implementation and requesting empanelment under Article 165(4) of the Constitution.
Continue Reading
Read the complete article from Kenyans
Part of the Day's Coverage
High Court Declares Petition Challenging Ksh80 Billion Ruto-Sakaja Nairobi Deal as Urgent - February 2026
President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja signed a Ksh80 billion cooperation pact to support development projects in the city. President Ruto assured residents that the agreement is not a takeover of county functions and that Nairobi remains under Governor Sakaja's leadership. However, a petition was filed challenging the constitutionality of the cooperation deal. The High Court has declared this petition urgent, setting a hearing for March 16. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has also opposed the deal, labeling it an unlawful power grab and suggesting that conditional grants would be a more appropriate way for the national government to provide support.
