Petition filed to block Ruto-Sakaja cooperation agreement

Justice Bahati Mwamuye on Wednesday certified as urgent the petition by Christine Gathoni and Benard Peter. 

The court observed that the Petitioners /Applicants’ Notice of Motion questions the legality and constitutionality of the agreement and seeks its invalidation.

 The applicants are also seeking certification of the matter for empanelment of a bench under Article 165 (4) of the Constitution, arguing that it raises substantial questions of law. 

In addition, they have applied for conservatory orders pending the hearing and determination of the case.

The court certified the application as urgent and ordered that it be heard on a priority basis.

The Petitioners were directed to immediately serve the Respondents and Interested Parties with the Application, the Petition, and the court’s directions, and to file an Affidavit of Service by close of business on February 20, 2026.

The application will be heard by way of written submissions on March 16, 2026.

The case now sets the stage for a determination on whether the Cooperation Agreement between the National Government and Nairobi City County Government is constitutionally valid.

On February 17, 2026, a cooperation framework between Nairobi City County Government and the National Government was signed at State House, Nairobi. 

President William Ruto witnessed the appending of signatures by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.