Retired KDF Captain sue president Ruto for sacking him as KNTC board chairman

The sacked Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) board chairman retired Captain Paul Rukaria has sued President William Ruto and Attorney-General Justin Muturi for revoking his appointment made by retired president Uhuru Kenyatta just days before his exit from office.

Rukaria, a retired Kenya Defence Forces (MKDF) officer was appointed by Uhuru Kenyatta on August 5, 2022 for a term of three years.

Early last month, president Ruto through a gazette notice revoked Rukaria’s appointment and replaced him with Hussein Tene Debass.

“Section 7 (3) of the State Corporations Act is clear that before the President can revoke the appointment of any Board member, there have to be cogent reasons for the said revocation and that the same must be subjected to consultation with the state Corporation Advisory Committee.” Rukaria said.

Rukaria wants the appointment of his successor suspended pending the hearing of the suit and eventually nullified and he is reinstated to the position.

He has sued President Ruto in his personal capacity as the first respondent in the suit.

The mandate of the KNTC is to stabilise consumer commodity prices by ensuring a balance in supply and demand through the availability of products in the country and undertaking procurement agency services for the Government and general public at a minimal fee.

Rukaria avers that there was no consultation with State Corporations Advisory Committee before the revocation of his appointment.

He says the president violated the constitution and the Act and that he could not appoint Debasso because at the time there was a substantive office holder of the position.

Debass lost the Isiolo gubernatorial race during last years’ general elections.