By KPC Reporter
The High Court in Nairobi has temporarily suspended President William Ruto’s directive establishing a new Multi-Agency Team (MAT) to spearhead Kenya’s war on corruption, economic crimes, and recovery of stolen assets.
In orders issued on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, Justice Bahati Mwamuye of the Milimani High Court directed that the presidential proclamation be stayed pending the full hearing and determination of a petition challenging its legality.
The case, filed by Dr. Magare Gikenyi J. Benjamin, Eliud Matindi, and two others, pits the petitioners against the Presidential Multi-Agency Team on War Against Corruption, the Attorney General, and nine other state offices.
“Pending the inter partes hearing and determination of the Petitioners’/Applicants’ Notice of Motion Application dated 20/08/2025, a conservatory order be and is hereby issued staying the operation and implementation of, or the further operation and/or further implementation of, the ‘Presidential Proclamation on the Establishment of Multi-Agency Team on War Against Corruption,’” read the order.
The court also directed the petitioners to serve the respondents immediately and file affidavits of service by August 21.
Respondents were ordered to file their responses by August 29, while petitioners may file rejoinders by September 5.
A virtual mention of the case has been scheduled for September 9, 2026, to confirm compliance and give further directions.
Ruto’s Proclamation
President Ruto had on August 18 formally unveiled the MAT, saying it was designed to create synergy among government agencies and strengthen coordination in the fight against graft.
The team, chaired by the Executive Office of the President, was to bring together the Attorney General’s chambers, the National Intelligence Service, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Financial Reporting Centre, and the Asset Recovery Agency.
The proclamation followed the enactment of the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, and amendments to the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, which the President said had strengthened Kenya’s anti-graft framework.
Ruto had argued that the Constitution entrusts him with safeguarding public resources and ensuring accountability, hence the decision to establish the MAT.
While the government defended the initiative as a step towards eliminating duplication of roles and accelerating asset recovery, critics raised concerns over its independence, given that it would be housed in the President’s office.