The High Court in Kajiado has declared that branding publicly funded projects with personal names and images violates Kenya’s constitutional principles on the use of public resources.
The court also ordered the removal of personal name branding from taxpayer-funded projects in Kajiado North. The ruling followed a petition filed by Shadrack Wambui through Sheria Mtaani against Kajiado North MP Onesmus Nguro Ngogoyo.
Wambui alleged that public projects, including roads, schools and dispensaries, had been branded with the MP’s name, image and political slogans. He argued that public infrastructure was being used for political self-promotion at the expense of accountability and electoral integrity.
The petition also claimed that some of the projects bearing the disputed branding had been initiated before Ngogoyo took office.
However, the court found that Wambui had not proved that the MP personally, or through his agents or servants, authorised the placement of the signage.
“I am not satisfied that the petitioner has discharged the burden of proof that he, whether by himself or through his agents or servants, allowed the signage to be put on taxpayer-funded projects,” the court stated.
