The court orders removal of personal names from public projects in Kajiado North but finds insufficient proof that MP Ngogoyo authorised the signage.
The High Court in Kajiado has ruled that personal branding on taxpayer-funded projects violates constitutional principles governing public resources. It also ordered the removal of personal name branding from publicly funded projects in Kajiado North.
However, the court found insufficient evidence that Kajiado North MP Onesmus Nguro Ngogoyo authorised the disputed signage. That finding covered both his personal involvement and any action through his agents or servants.
Petition challenges personal branding
Shadrack Wambui filed the petition through Sheria Mtaani against Ngogoyo. He challenged the alleged use of the legislator’s name, image and political slogans on public infrastructure.
Wambui argued that the branding had turned roads, schools and dispensaries into platforms for personal political promotion. He also contended that this practice undermined accountability and constitutional principles governing the management of public resources.
In addition, the petitioner questioned whether the MP could claim credit for some of the developments. He alleged that certain projects carrying the disputed branding had begun before Ngogoyo assumed office.
Court separates branding violation from responsibility
The court declared that attaching personal branding to publicly financed projects breached constitutional principles. Its removal order specifically addressed personal name branding on public projects in Kajiado North.
However, the ruling distinguished the unlawful branding from the question of who authorised its placement. The court found that Wambui had not met the burden of proving Ngogoyo’s responsibility for the signage.
The decision therefore combined an order to remove the names with a separate finding on evidence. It did not establish that the MP, directly or through others acting for him, allowed the signage.
