Shakahola Commission suspended

The High Court on Monday suspended the Shakahola Commission for seven days pending a detailed ruling to be issued next week.

The suspension was granted after Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition, led by opposition leader Raila Odinga, filed a petition challenging the legality of the commission’s appointment.

In the petition, Azimio argued that President William Ruto’s appointment of the eight-member commission was unconstitutional and amounted to a usurpation of powers vested in other state organs.

The coalition argued that the President had no authority to appoint a commission of inquiry to investigate the deaths, torture, and inhuman and degrading treatment of members of the Good News International Church.

Azimio further argued that the commission’s appointment undermined the authority of the Inspector General of Police, who is theconstitutionally mandated officer to investigate criminal matters.

The court’s decision to suspend the commission’s operations is a major setback for President Ruto, who had hoped to use the commission to investigate the activities of the Good News International Church and its leader, Paul Mackenzie.

The church has been accused of engaging in a number of illegal activities, including forced labor, child abuse, and financial fraud.

The court’s decision will allow the coalition to argue its case in full and will give the court time to consider the constitutionality of the commission’s appointment.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for May 29.

Here are some additional details about the case:

• The Shakahola Commission was appointed by President Ruto on May 4.
• The commission is led by Court of Appeal judge Jessie Lesiit.
• The commission is tasked with investigating the deaths, torture, and inhuman and degrading treatment of members of the Good News International Church.
• The church has been accused of engaging in a number of illegal activities, including forced labor, child abuse, and financial fraud.
• The coalition filed its petition challenging the legality of the commission’s appointment on May 16.
• The court’s decision to suspend the commission’s operations is a major setback for President Ruto.
• The next hearing in the case is scheduled for May 29.