2025 will be remembered as a year that was marked by multiple crucial court rulings that shaped the country's governance and politics.
From police recruitment and cyber laws to international agreements. Below is a list of some of the most consequential landmark rulings made in 2025.
Police Recruitment
The exercise was temporarily halted by the High Court on October 2 in response to a petition filed by John Harun Mwau against the National Police Service Commission (NPSC).
The High Court ruled that the power to conduct the recruitment exclusively lay with the Inspector General of Police and not the NPSC.
The court dismissed NPSC's recruitment notice as null and void, maintaining that the Commission had contravened Article 232 of the Constitution.
On November 13, the court lifted the conservatory order that had halted the recruitment of the 10,000 constables, paving the way for the National Police Service (NPS) to conduct the exercise.
Cybercrime Act
On November 3, the high court suspended several provisions of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, ruling that they posed a threat to freedom of expression and the media.
Judge Edward Muriithi ruled that the enforcement of the Act would halt the enactment of provisions related to Section 6, which speaks on the functions of the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee.
However, the Attorney General defended the controversial Act, insisting that the piece of legislation would not infringe on the freedoms of speech and free press.
There are several petitions challenging the new law, and Justice Lawrence Mugambi will in February 13, 2026 hear and give directions on how the main case will proceed.
Kenya-US Health Deal
In a significant ruling touching on the international deals, the high court on December 11 issued conservatory orders suspending the health cooperation agreement between Kenya and the United States.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye specifically suspended the component of the pact relating to the transfer of health and personal data.
Mwamuye directed that the case be mentioned on February 12 next year before Justice Lawrence Mugambi to confirm compliance and to take directions on the expedited hearing and determination of the petition.
Court Rules Kenya Kwanza is Not the Majority in Parliament
A three-judge bench of the High Court in February declared the decision of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, determining that Kenya Kwanza holds the majority in Parliament, null and void.
This is after 12 Kenyans filed a petition in court, arguing that the Azimio Coalition held the majority with 171 MPs while the Kenya Kwanza Coalition had 156 legislators.
They filed a petition challenging the Speaker's declaration, asserting that it violated the Constitution and the Standing Orders of the National Assembly.
Three judges, Justice Jairus Ngaah (presiding), Justice John Mugwimi Chigiti, and Justice Mugambi, agreed, saying Wetang’ula lacked sufficient evidence to make the determination.
Court Ruling on Ruto’s Protests Compensation Panel
In September, the court temporarily suspended the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests appointed by President William Ruto.
The court specifically suspended the implementation of Gazette Notice No. 12002 dated August 25, 2025, which had officially formalised the appointment of the panel. This followed a petition filed by Lawyer Levi Munyeri.
The court questioned the legality, independence and mandate of the panel, ruling that compensation for victims of police brutality and protest-related violence must follow clear legal frameworks.
On December 4, 2025, Justice Edward Muriithi of the High Court in Kerugoya declared the panel's establishment unconstitutional.
The court scheduled the case for a mention on January 20, 2026, to review compliance with its orders.
