“The respondents failed to demonstrate how public participation was conducted,” the judge stated. He added that no evidence showed public engagement in the selection process.
Shock Ruling: Court Voids Ruto’s Climate Council Appointments
New Nominations Ordered
Following the judgment, Justice Mugambi ordered the government to launch a fresh nomination process. The new appointments must be completed within 90 days from the date of the ruling.
This ruling follows an earlier court order that had already suspended the appointees from taking office. The four—Emily Mwende, John Kioli, Umar Omar, and George Odera—were Ruto’s key picks to steer climate action.
“It is not clear who among the nominees is a representative of the largest civil society organisation working on climate change, as it is required by the Council Act,” the petitioners told the court.
Moreover, they added, “It is also not clear whether there was any form of public participation in the selection of the said individuals in accordance with the Public Participation Act.”
Ruto had appointed the four as part of his administration’s aggressive push to combat climate change. The Climate Change Council plays a vital role, advising the President on policies and strategies to reduce environmental harm.
Kenyans now wait to see how swiftly the government will move to correct the process. Justice Mugambi’s order is clear: no shortcuts, full compliance with public participation laws.
