High Court stops gov’t achievement ads #GOKDelivers

The High Court has stopped the government from publishing advertisements of their achievements in media pending the hearing and determination of a case filed by Katiba Institute.

Justice Chacha Mwita directed that the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) should not publish any adverts in the print media, electronic media or by way of banners in public places.

The human rights group further sought court orders to compel PDU to give them information on all the government advertisements that were being aired in all local media stations days before the general elections.

Katiba Institute is also seeking information on the value of public funds spent at that time and if it was necessary for the government air the adverts.

An affidavit filed by the lobby group’s executive director, Waikwa Wanyoike, claims they wrote PDU secretary, Andrew Wakahiu, on August 17  requesting for the information but were turned down.

Through their lawyer Suyianka Lempaa, they said that they were seeking information on adverts carried or associated with the PDU on government’s achievements under the hashtag #GOKDelivers and at times was also popularized as #JubileeDelivers.

Katiba Institute also wants access to information on the name of the agency or government office that met the respective cost of publishing each of the adverts that were made.

They also claim that Public Service Chief of Staff, Joseph Kinyua, and his deputy, Nzioka Waita, who have also been sued in the petition have  supervisory powers over PDU and Wakahiu and have failed to provide proper training, directions and supervision to them.

The court directed all respondents to file and serve their responses in seven days and the petitioners to also file their submissions in seven days.

The case will be heard on November 8.