The High Court has temporarily stopped the implementation of President William Ruto’s Multi-Agency Team on War Against Graft (MAT-WAC) following a petition challenging its legality.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, issued a conservatory order halting the team’s operations until the matter is heard and determined.
“Pending the inter partes hearing and determination of the applicants’ notice of motion, a conservatory order be and is hereby issued staying the operation and implementation of the Presidential Proclamation on the Establishment of the Multi-Agency Team on War Against Graft,” Justice Mwamuye ruled.
The court directed petitioners to serve the respondents in both hardcopy and softcopy by Thursday, August 21. Respondents and interested parties have until August 29, 2025, to file their responses. The petitioners may file a rejoinder by September 5. The court also called on both parties to propose measures for expedited determination within 90 days.
The petition, filed by Nakuru-based surgeon Dr. Magare Gikenyi and three others, argued that President Ruto lacked constitutional authority to form the anti-graft team. They claimed the decision undermined the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and overstepped the executive’s mandate.
The petition also criticised the inclusion of autonomous institutions such as the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and the National Intelligence Service (NIS). Petitioners raised concerns that taxpayer funds would be used to finance the new body without proper legal backing.
They described the President’s powers in forming MAT-WAC as “imaginary hot air mirage powers” and insisted that the Constitution clearly limits executive authority in establishing anti-corruption bodies.
The case is set for further hearing as the High Court considers the petitioners’ arguments.
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