Former Chief Justice David Maraga has accused President William Ruto of defying a court order after the deadline for reconstituting his cabinet to meet the two-thirds gender rule expired on October 28, 2026. Maraga demands immediate action to appoint more women to the Cabinet, warning that continued non-compliance risks legal consequences. The deadline was set by the Supreme Court to ensure gender balance in the executive branch.

The gender rule requires that at least two-thirds of cabinet members be women. Ruto’s administration has not yet met this requirement, despite the legal deadline. Maraga has called on the president to act swiftly, emphasizing that the court’s order is binding. The legal challenge follows months of public debate over the rule’s implementation.

The gender rule was introduced to promote inclusivity in government. However, Ruto’s Cabinet remains predominantly male, with only a minority of women appointed. Legal experts note that failure to comply could lead to further judicial intervention. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between executive authority and constitutional mandates.