NAIROBI — The sanctity of Kenya’s State House is under intense judicial scrutiny as the High Court steps in to adjudicate a petition seeking to bar controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo from accessing the seat of power. In a move that underscores the growing unease over foreign influence in national security, Justice Lawrence Mugambi has directed that the matter be mentioned on March 5, 2026.

This is not merely a procedural mention; it is a constitutional litmus test. The petition, filed by the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK), challenges the opacity surrounding Chivayo’s alleged unrestricted access to the President’s official residence. At the heart of the legal battle is a fundamental question of sovereignty: Should a foreign national with a checkered past have unchecked proximity to the highest office in the land? The implications for national security and public trust are profound.

Judicial Urgency Meets National Security

Justice Mugambi has certified the application as urgent, signaling the gravity of the allegations raised by COFEK Secretary General Stephen Mutoro. The court’s directive requires the respondents—including the State Law Office and the Ministry of Interior—to file their responses within seven days. This tight timeline reflects the judiciary’s acknowledgment that the issues at play cannot be relegated to the backburner.

The petition argues that granting "unrestricted or insufficiently scrutinized access" to individuals like Chivayo compromises the dignity of the Presidency and exposes the nation to potential diplomatic and security vulnerabilities. "We cannot afford to have the State House turned into a revolving door for characters whose standing is questionable," a source close to the petitioners remarked.

The Chivayo Controversy

Wicknell Chivayo, a flamboyant businessman known for his close ties to Zimbabwe’s ruling elite, has been a polarizing figure. His presence in Kenya’s corridors of power has raised eyebrows, with critics questioning the nature of his business interests and his influence on local policy. The petition seeks to compel the state to disclose the logs of his visits and to establish strict protocols for foreign visitors to State House.

• The Petitioners: COFEK, led by Stephen Mutoro, is positioning this as a public interest case, arguing that citizens have a right to know who influences their leaders.
• The Respondents: The Attorney General and Interior Ministry must now explain the security clearance protocols—or lack thereof—that allowed Chivayo such access.
• The Stakes: A ruling in favor of COFEK could set a precedent for transparency regarding all State House visitors, effectively ending the era of secret VIP access.

A Test for Executive Privilege

As the March 5 date approaches, the legal fraternity is watching closely. The case pits the principles of transparency and national security against the traditional opacity of executive privilege. For the average Kenyan, the courtroom drama is a reminder that the State House belongs to the people, and its gates should be guarded not just by soldiers, but by the rule of law.

"This case is about more than one man," noted a constitutional lawyer in Nairobi. "It is about defining the boundaries of power and ensuring that our national institutions remain insulated from undue external influence."