High Court Affirms President’s Right to Invite Advisers to Cabinet Meetings

Nairobi, August 15, 2025 — The High Court has ruled that President William Ruto may invite external advisers—including economist David Ndii, National Security Advisor Monica Juma, Women’s Rights Advisor Harriette Chiggai, and UDA Secretary-General Cleophas Malala—to attend Cabinet meetings. The court dismissed a petition challenging their involvement as unconstitutional.

Details of the Ruling

• No constitutional violation: Justice Lawrence Mugambi found the Constitution does not prohibit the President from consulting experts during policy discussions.

• Adviser roles clarified: Non-Cabinet advisers are allowed to attend meetings but cannot vote, participate permanently, or replace official Cabinet members.

• Petitioner’s concern dismissed: Activist Walter Dzuya had argued that such advisers are not subject to the same accountability mechanisms as Cabinet members. The court disagreed, noting the advisers hold no executive function.

What This Means in Practice

• Flexible expertise: The ruling enables the President to access targeted technical inputs without undermining the formal Cabinet structures.

• Maintained separation of power: Decision-making authority remains firmly with Cabinet members.

• Clarity on legal framework: This sets a precedent that the President may invite external opinions within a structured, non-voting capacity.

Summary at a Glance