High Court allows petition seeking to oust a CEC over academic credentials to proceed

Meru Youth Affairs and Sports Executive Daniel Kiogora at a past event. (Olivia Murithi, Standard)

The High Court has dismissed a preliminary objection filed by Meru Youth Affairs and Sports CEC Daniel Kiogora to stop a petition against him.

A county government staff Seth Mutugi through his lawyer Dickson Munene had filed a suit seeking to oust Kiogora over his academic qualifications.

Mr Kiogora through his lawyer Kiogora Mugambi opposed the petition, saying it was defective, malicious and prematurely filed.

Mr Mutugi had also sought orders to compel Governor Kiraitu Murungi to revoke the executive’s appointment over lack of a university degree.

In his petition, Mutugi also wanted the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the authenticity of academic papers presented by Mr Kiogora during his vetting.

Mr Kiogora in his objection said the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter.

Mr Mutugi through his lawyer Mr Munene however opposed the objection saying the court had the jurisdiction to hear the matter.

Justice Alfred Mabeya however ruled that the court had a constitutional mandate to make inquiries over the petition.

He however dismissed the petition allowing the suit to be heard on merit and instructed lawyers to file written submissions within 60 days.

The hearing will be on September 19.