The governance of any nation is rooted in trust, transparency, and accountability. Today, we, the concerned citizens of Kenya, are compelled to call for the initiation of impeachment proceedings against President William Samoei Ruto. Our request arises from pressing issues that indicate potential breaches of the constitutional mandate, accountability concerns, and governance failures that could undermine the democratic fabric of our nation.

We, the undersigned citizens of the Republic of Kenya, acting pursuant to Articles 1, 3, 22, 37, 94, 95, 119, and 145 of the Constitution of Kenya, hereby petition the National Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto on grounds of gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office, misconduct, and failure to uphold the principles of leadership and integrity as required under Chapter Six of the Constitution.

 

INTRODUCTION

 

The President of the Republic occupies the highest office in the land and bears the solemn duty to protect the Constitution, safeguard public resources, uphold human rights, and ensure good governance for all Kenyans. The Constitution provides that no public office is above accountability, and where there is evidence of gross constitutional violations or misconduct, Parliament has a duty to act in defense of the Republic.

 

It is our respectful submission that the conduct, actions, omissions, and policies of President William Samoei Ruto have eroded public trust, undermined constitutional governance, deepened economic suffering, and exposed Kenyans to systemic injustices and institutional failure.

 

GROUNDS FOR IMPEACHMENT

 

1. Gross Violation of the Constitution Through Suppression of Peaceful Protest

 

During the nationwide anti-government demonstrations and protests witnessed in June and July 2024, numerous reports emerged alleging excessive use of force by security agencies against peaceful protesters, including youth-led demonstrators exercising their constitutional rights under Articles 33, 37, and 38 of the Constitution.

 

There were widespread reports of:

 

- Fatal shootings and deaths of protesters;

- Abductions and unlawful arrests;

- Use of live ammunition against civilians;

- Excessive police brutality;

- Intimidation of journalists and civil society actors.

 

As Commander-in-Chief and Head of Government, the President bears ultimate responsibility for ensuring that security agencies operate within constitutional limits and protect the lives and rights of citizens.

 

The failure to prevent unlawful killings and alleged state violence amounts to a gross violation of the Constitution, particularly Articles 26, 29, 33, 37, and 244.

 

2. Failure to Uphold Chapter Six on Leadership and Integrity

 

The administration has repeatedly faced allegations of corruption, conflict of interest, misuse of public funds, and opaque procurement practices involving senior state officers and politically connected individuals.

 

Concerns have been raised regarding:

 

- Lack of transparency in major government contracts;

- Alleged irregular expenditure and procurement processes;

- Failure to effectively combat corruption despite public commitments;

- Weak enforcement against officials implicated in corruption scandals.

 

The continued perception of state capture and impunity undermines public confidence in government institutions and violates the national values and principles of governance under Article 10 of the Constitution.

 

3. Mismanagement of Public Debt and Economic Burden on Citizens

 

Under the current administration, Kenyans have experienced severe economic hardship marked by:

 

- Increased taxation;

- Rising cost of living;

- Expansion of public debt obligations;

- Increased fuel, food, and electricity prices;

- Heavy borrowing without sufficient public participation or transparency.

 

The accumulation and management of public debt, coupled with concerns regarding accountability and sustainability, raise constitutional questions under Articles 201 and 232 regarding prudent and responsible use of public resources.

 

Citizens have increasingly questioned whether borrowing practices and fiscal decisions have been undertaken in the best interests of the Kenyan people.

 

4. Collapse and Dysfunction of Essential Public Services

 

The government has overseen significant dysfunction in critical sectors including healthcare and education.

 

(a) Social Health Authority (SHA)

 

The transition from NHIF to SHA has been marred by:

 

- System failures;

- Delays in patient services;

- Confusion among healthcare providers;

- Inaccessibility of medical services for ordinary citizens;

- Uncertainty regarding healthcare coverage.

 

Many Kenyans have reportedly been denied timely treatment due to administrative and technological failures, undermining the right to healthcare under Article 43.

 

(b) University Funding Crisis

 

Changes to the higher education funding model have generated widespread concern among students, parents, universities, and stakeholders due to:

 

- Delayed disbursement of funds;

- Uncertainty surrounding scholarship and loan eligibility;

- Financial instability within universities;

- Exclusion of vulnerable students from higher education opportunities.

 

These failures threaten the constitutional right to education and equal opportunity.

 

(c) Delayed Secondary School Capitation

 

Public secondary schools across the country have repeatedly reported delays in government capitation, leading to:

 

- Inability to run school programs effectively;

- Financial strain on parents and institutions;

- Reduced quality of education;

- Interrupted learning.

 

Such failures undermine the state’s obligation to progressively realize the right to education for all Kenyan children.

 

5. Failure to Protect Constitutionalism and Democratic Governance

 

The repeated disregard of public participation, growing hostility toward dissenting voices, and concentration of executive influence have raised concerns regarding democratic backsliding and erosion of constitutional safeguards.

 

Public confidence in independent institutions has weakened due to perceived political interference and selective accountability.

 

CONSTITUTIONAL BASIS

 

This petition is brought pursuant to:

 

- Article 145 of the Constitution of Kenya;

- Chapter Six on Leadership and Integrity;

- Article 10 on National Values and Principles of Governance;

- Article 73 on responsibilities of leadership;

- Article 75 on conduct of state officers;

- Article 129 on executive authority;

- Article 232 on values and principles of public service.

 

PRAYERS

 

THAT the National Assembly:

 

1. Receives and admits this petition;

2. Initiates impeachment proceedings against President William Samoei Ruto under Article 145 of the Constitution;

3. Establishes a special investigative committee to examine allegations of constitutional violations, abuse of office, corruption, and misconduct;

4. Summons relevant state officers, witnesses, civil society organizations, and victims to provide evidence;

5. Recommends appropriate constitutional action, including removal from office should the allegations be substantiated;

6. Upholds the sovereignty of the people of Kenya and the supremacy of the Constitution.

 

CONCLUSION

 

Kenya is founded on constitutional democracy, accountability, and the rule of law. No leader, regardless of office, is above the Constitution. Where the people believe that constitutional principles have been undermined, Parliament has both the authority and the obligation to act decisively in defense of the Republic.

 

We therefore respectfully urge the National Assembly to give this petition urgent consideration in the interests of justice, accountability, and the future of Kenya.