High Court Revokes Anthony Mwaura’s Appointment as KRA Chairperson....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
In a significant legal decision, the High Court has revoked the appointment of Anthony Mwaura as the chairperson of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
Justice Francis Gikonyo ruled that Mwaura’s appointment was irregular and unconstitutional, citing the graft charges he was facing at the time of his appointment in 2022.
This ruling adds a new dimension to the ongoing scrutiny of government appointments and adherence to constitutional requirements.
Justice Gikonyo, in his ruling, stated, “The appointment of Mr. Anthony Mwaura as the chairperson of the Kenya Revenue Authority was not conducted in a manner that is consistent with the principles of integrity and accountability as outlined in the Constitution.
Mr. Mwaura was facing serious graft charges amounting to Sh357 million at the time of his appointment, which made his appointment irregular and unconstitutional.”
The Sh357 million graft charges against Mwaura have been a matter of public record, raising questions about the vetting process for such a critical position. The charges allege that Mwaura was involved in corrupt activities that undermined public trust and financial integrity, making his appointment controversial from the outset.
Justice Gikonyo further emphasized the importance of upholding constitutional principles in public appointments. “Public office is a public trust,” he said. “Those appointed to such offices must be individuals of unquestionable integrity and must not have any pending cases that cast doubt on their suitability. The Constitution demands that public officials be beyond reproach to maintain public confidence.”
The ruling has sparked reactions from various stakeholders, including civil society groups and political commentators. Transparency International Kenya welcomed the decision, with its Executive Director, Sheila Masinde, stating,
“This is a victory for the rule of law and a clear message that public offices should not be occupied by individuals facing serious charges. It reaffirms the need for stringent vetting processes to ensure that only individuals of integrity are appointed to lead key institutions.”
Mwaura’s legal team has expressed disappointment with the ruling, indicating their intention to appeal. In a statement, they argued that the charges against Mwaura were politically motivated and that he had not been convicted of any crime.
“Our client maintains his innocence and believes that he has been unfairly targeted. We will be challenging this decision to ensure that justice is served,” the statement read.
The revocation of Mwaura’s appointment underscores the ongoing challenges in Kenya’s fight against corruption and the need for rigorous adherence to constitutional principles in governance. As the case progresses through the appeals process, it remains to be seen how it will impact future appointments and the broader anti-corruption agenda in the country…CONTINUE READING>>
