Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya

President William Ruto's troubles seem to have intensified further after two Kenyans filed a petition seeking to have him jailed for two years.

The petitioners, Kelvin Omondi and Boniface Mwangi, who were represented by Senior Counsel, Paul Muite, sought legal action against Ruto, Attorney General Dorcas Oduor and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei over what they termed as contempt of court.

They argued that the three had gazetted the appointments to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) despite a court order stopping the process.

"It is our submission that this gazette constitutes contempt of the orders issued by the court," Muite argued.

According to NTV, Muite accused the head of state and leadership of the National Assembly of defying the court order made in May barring the gazetting and swearing in of seven officials of the IEBC.

The seven included Chairperson Erastus Ethekon as well as commissioners Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah.

While appearing before a three-judge bench at the Milimani High Court, the petitioners argued that the move by Ruto and his co-accused undermined the country's Rule of Law.

They also called for the nullification of the IEBC officials, citing a lack of transparency and inclusivity during the selection process.

This comes days after Ruto stated that the new IEBC team under the chairmanship of Ethekon will be in office for six years after their appointment.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka reacted to Ruto's decision to appoint the IEBC officials despite court orders.

Kalonzo argued that Ruto's decision was in a bid to lay the groundwork to enable him to rig the 2027 General Election.

The party leader condemned the move, accusing Ruto of disregarding the principles of consultation and inclusion.

The vocal opposition leader had initially raised concerns when the president received the list of IEBC nominees from the selection panel that was led by Nelson Makanda.

He argued that the entire process did not meet the expectations that were set by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO), which called for a partisan consensus during the reconstitution process.

Kalonzo cited that since the opposition was not included in the selection process, Ruto risked forming a commission that lacked public trust and independence.

The former vice president further dismissed the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Raila Odinga, and Ruto, arguing it did not replace the NADCO framework.

Source: TUKO.co.ke