Petition Filed in High Court Seeking to Stop Tourism CS Rebecca Miano From Political Campaigns
In addition, the petitioner wants the court to compel the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate the allegations against the CS and to file a preliminary status report in court within 30 days of the order.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano. Photo: Courtesy.
By Deborah Were
A petition has been filed at the High Court seeking to bar Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano from allegedly engaging in partisan political campaigns while still serving as a State officer.
The petition, filed by Francis Awino, argues that CS Miano has been participating in political mobilisation activities and public events that amount to early campaigns and endorsement of political interests, contrary to the constitutional requirements on conduct of State officers.
Awino wants the court to issue orders restraining the Cabinet Secretary from participating in political campaigns, political mobilisation activities and electoral endorsement events in her capacity as a Cabinet Secretary, claiming such actions violate constitutional principles of leadership, integrity, impartiality and neutrality of public office.
In his application, the petitioner contends that Cabinet Secretaries are bound by the Constitution and the Leadership and Integrity Act to remain politically neutral and to avoid using their offices to advance partisan political agendas.
He further argues that allowing State officers to engage in political campaigns while in office undermines public confidence, creates an uneven playing field and violates the values enshrined in Chapter Six of the Constitution.
Awino is also seeking conservatory orders barring Miano from using government resources, personnel, official vehicles, security arrangements, public facilities and other State resources for partisan political activities pending the hearing and determination of the petition.
In addition, the petitioner wants the court to compel the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate the allegations against the CS and to file a preliminary status report in court within 30 days of the order.
The application came up before Justice Lilian Mutende, who declined to certify the matter as urgent. The Judge directed that the respondents be served and file their responses within 14 days.
The matter will be mentioned before the Ol Kalou High Court on August 3, 2026 for further directions.
Miano, who has served as Tourism and Wildlife CS since 2024, has not yet publicly responded to the allegations contained in the petition. The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has also not issued an official statement.
If the petition succeeds, it could set a precedent on the extent to which Cabinet Secretaries and other State officers can participate in political activities while in office, an issue that has repeatedly sparked public debate in Kenya’s political landscape.
The case adds to a growing list of petitions filed against senior government officials accused of engaging in early campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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