Court extends orders blocking KETRACO board re-appointments to March 18

Justice Lawrence Mugambi said the orders will remain in force until March 18, 2026, as the court awaits a ruling on a dispute over legal representation in the case.

“As we wait for the ruling, I will extend the orders to March 18, 2026,” Mugambi said.

The extension followed arguments by parties on an application concerning the representation of counsel in the petition.

The respondents contend that the petition is “void from the start” because it was initially filed by Kevin Mwangala Lusweti, a full-time officer at the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), arguing that as a public officer he is barred from engaging in private legal practice.

They cited the Public Service Code of Conduct, the Conflict of Interest Act and provisions of the Constitution, saying his involvement created a conflict of interest and undermined the integrity of the case, which seeks to block the re-appointment of KETRACO board members and other senior appointments at the state corporation.

Court documents show the petition was first filed on January 11, 2026, and later amended on February 18, 2026. The respondents argued that a subsequent change of advocates cannot cure what they described as an initial illegality in filing the case.

They warned that allowing the petition to proceed would amount to legitimising a violation of public trust by a state officer.

The High Court had earlier issued temporary orders suspending the board re-appointments pending the hearing and determination of the case.