High Court dismisses case against DP Ruto

The High Court has dismissed a case seeking the removal of Deputy President William Ruto from office over alleged misconduct and absconding official duty.

In his ruling on Thursday, Justice Anthony Mrima ruled that the court has no authority to deal with the issues raised by the petitioner. 

Justice Mrima said removal from Office of the Deputy President is a Constitutional process provided for in the Constitution.

He further said that the petition filed by Michael Kirungia was a false start and non-Justiciability.

Meanwhile, the Petitioner has been condemned to pay the costs of the case.

In his response to the petition in late June, DP Ruto had asked the court to dismiss a case seeking his removal from office, arguing that only Parliament can initiate his removal from office through impeachment.

The DP through his lawyer Elius Mutuma submitted that the case was political and should be dismissed.

"We submit that the only organ with the power to remove a sitting Deputy President from office is parliament through impeachment as provided for under Article 150 of the Constitution," he said.

In the case, Mr Kirungia had claimed Ruto has abdicated his constitutional role as the principal assistant to the president and embarked on “self-assigned duties” and should thus be removed from office.

He had further asked the court to restrain the DP from using his office and his residential home in conducting meetings of his Kenya Kwanza Coalition until the case is heard and determined.