A petition has been filed at the Milimani Law Courts challenging the appointment of Ali Hassan Joho as Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy & Maritime Affairs.

The petition by Genesis for Human Rights Commission argues that Joho's appointment was not in line with the Constitution, adding that he lacks the requisite academic qualification to hold the office of Cabinet Secretary.

In a supporting affidavit, Caleb Ngwena, a resident of Bamburi, Mombasa County claims that Joho is unsuitable for Cabinet appointment claiming that the former Governor was involved in shoddy land deals within the Mombasa County.

"That the Respondents in clearing the Interested Party suitable for appointment as Cabinet Secretary was done unprocedurally and illegally as the Respondents did not take into consideration the various Memorandas containing evidence of his unsuitability for appointment," reads the court document in part.

The petitioner wants Joho barred from discharging duties as CS for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime affairs pending the hearing and determination of the application.

"That pending hearing and determination of this Petition the Court be pleased to issue conservatory orders restraining the Interested Party from acting as and/or discharging the duties and functions of Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime affairs and/or holding such position in manner whatsoever," reads the application.

Justice L.N Mugambi has directed that the Petition and the Application be served within 7 days.

"Responses to both the Application and Petition be filed and served within 14 days," the judge ordered.

Further directions on the case will be issued on October 17, 2024.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, the Committee on Appointments, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Commission for University Education, Office of the Registrar of Political Parties and the Attorney General have been listed as respondents in the case.