State House has 7 days to respond after court blocks Seal takeover

The Executive Office of the President has been given seven(7) days to respond after the High Court stopped it from taking control of Kenya’s Public Seal--yes, that very official government stamp that gives State documents their weight.

In a ruling delivered by Justice Eric Chacha Mwita, the court said the alleged decision by President William Ruto to shift the Seal from the Attorney-General to the Head of Public Service raised serious legal concerns.

“The petition raises fundamental constitutional and legal matters of great public importance,” said Justice Mwita.

Until the matter is heard fully, the judge said the Seal should stay put at the Attorney-General’s office.

Wait… What’s this Seal anyway?

Think of the Public Seal as the official stamp of Kenya’s government--used to approve major decisions like high-level appointments and treaties. It is not just symbolic, but it carries legal power.

Traditionally, it is kept by the Attorney-General, who is supposed to be a neutral legal officer--not part of the politics. 

That is why Katiba Institute, the group that went to court, says moving it to State House could give the Presidency too much unchecked power.

The petitioners argue that this would politicise an important legal tool and undermine the balance between government offices.

The case will be mentioned again on July 2, 2025.