The court barred former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu from taking up his new role as a member of the Nairobi Rivers Commission.
According to the court documents filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and Transparency International Kenya, the ex-governor was barred from the position pending the determination of the suit seeking to challenge his suitability.
The ruling was made on Friday, February 10, by Justice Hedwig Ong'udi.
President William Ruto appointed Waititu and other members to the commission in December 2022 with the aim of reclaiming the Nairobi River and ridding it of rampant pollution.
On January 24, however, LSK filed a petition challenging the appointment of the former governor to the commission arguing that once an individual is removed from office, they should not be re-elected or appointed for any public office.
In this case, Waititu, who served as the second Governor of Kiambu, had been impeached from the position in 2020.
Additionally, the petitioners argued that the politician lacked moral aptitude, ethical foundation, and above-reproach integrity that would depict a state office worthy of receiving any commendations from the Head of State.
Waititu was appointed alongside Pamela Olet, Mumo Musuva, Grace Senewa, Eva Muhia, Elizabeth Wathuti, Carlota Dal Lago, Elijah Biama, and Duncan Ojwang.
Following his appointment, Waititu vowed to employ the youth who will oversee that the river is not contaminated.
The newly formed commission constitutes state and non-state actors including United Nations agencies.
According to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, it will take more than the agency to clean up the Nairobi River and save it from years of constant pollution.
"This commission will be another testament of Kenya Kwanza's commitment to partnerships and engagement with all," the DP affirmed.
