Muthomi IreriPresident William Ruto faced a setback after the High Court suspended his directive requiring 34 government institutions to join the eCitizen platform. Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued a conservatory order halting the implementation of the directive pending the hearing and determination of the case filed on December 5, 2024.
“Pending the inter partes hearing and determination of the Application dated 05/12/2024, a conservatory order be and is hereby issued suspending the implementation and operation of the directive issued on 28/11/2024 compelling the 1st to 34th Interested Parties to compulsorily onboard and/or migrate to the eCitizen Services Platform,” ruled Justice Mwamuye.
The Katiba Institute challenged the directive in court, arguing that it was illegal and lacked public participation. The petitioner highlighted concerns about accessibility, stating that some members of the public might struggle to use government payment services independently, potentially leading to exploitation by third parties.
“The directive lacks transparency and the force of law, hence it undermines the rule of law,” the court filings stated. The institute is now seeking orders to nullify the gazette notice and President Ruto’s directive, which mandated government agencies to adopt the eCitizen payment platform.
The president had issued a stern warning to agencies’ Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) during the first anniversary celebration of eCitizen at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, cautioning them to comply or face severe consequences.
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