The Kenyan High Court has dismissed a petition filed by Michael Kirunga which sought to have Deputy President William Ruto kicked out of office over alleged neglect of duty.
The application has been thrown out on the grounds of non-justiciability.
Justice Anthony Mrima in the ruling argued that the process of removing a sitting DP is a political process reserved for Parliament, and is therefore not within the jurisdiction on the court.
Meanwhile, the Petitioner has been condemned to pay the costs of the case.
In late June, DP Ruto hasked the court to dismiss a case seeking his removal from office, arguing that only Parliament can remove him from office through impeachment.
The DP through lawyer Elius Mutuma submitted that the case was political and should be dismissed.
“We submit that the only organ with the power to remove a sitting Deputy President from office is parliament through impeachment as provided for under Article 150 of the Constitution,” he said.
In the case, Michael Kirungia claimed Ruto has abdicated his constitutional role as the principal assistant to the president and embarked on “self-assigned duties” and should thus be removed from office.
Kurungia had earlier asked the court to restrain the DP from using his office and his residential home in conducting meetings of the United Democratic Alliance until the case is heard and determined.
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