By Rose Awinja
A lobby group has moved to court seeking to bar former Nairobi County Transport Executive Mohamed Dagane from holding public office, citing allegations of corruption and misconduct during his tenure.
The Muungano Social Justice Movement, based in Eastleigh, Nairobi, filed the lawsuit after Dagane was shortlisted for the position of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioner.
In its petition, the group accuses Dagane of gross irregularities, illegalities, and mismanagement of public funds, particularly during his role in the Nairobi City County Government COVID-19 Emergency Team Committee. The petitioners argue that his past conduct disqualifies him from holding any state office.
Former Nairobi County Transport CECM Mohammed Dagane
The petition also highlights that Dagane was previously suspended by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko over alleged incompetence and gross misconduct while serving as Health CEC.
His suspension was linked to the 2019 Precious Talents School tragedy, where a classroom collapse led to the deaths of several students.
Former Nairobi County Government Mike Sonko
“The respondent has been shortlisted for an interview on April 14, 2025, for the position of IEBC commissioner. The petitioners state that he has disregarded Chapter Six of the Constitution, which requires state and public officers to uphold integrity,” the court documents read.
Dagane is one of 17 candidates set to face IEBC selection panel interviews starting Monday, April 14. He has defended his qualifications, citing 17 years of leadership and management experience in both the public and private sectors.
The case now puts his candidacy in question, as the court considers whether his past actions disqualify him from a role in Kenya’s electoral body.