High Court Orders Ruto to Fix Cabinet Gender Balance in 120 Days

Kenya's High Court delivered a landmark constitutional ruling on July 1, 2026, declaring President William Ruto's Cabinet unconstitutional on the grounds that it violates the two-thirds gender rule enshrined in Article 27(8) of Kenya's 2010 Constitution. The court issued the President a 120-day window to reconstitute the Cabinet to achieve the required gender balance.

The Constitutional Provision at Stake

Article 27(8) of the Constitution of Kenya provides that not more than two-thirds of the members of elective or appointive bodies shall be of the same gender. Legal scholars noted that this ruling applies the two-thirds rule directly and explicitly to the Cabinet.

What the Ruling Means in Practice

The ruling obliges President Ruto to review his Cabinet and ensure that the proportion of women Cabinet Secretaries meets the constitutional threshold. The 120-day window gives the President until approximately late October or early November 2026 to effect the required changes.

ODM Moves Swiftly to Claim New Cabinet Slots

ODM Acting Secretary General Catherine Omanyo publicly signalled the party's determination to leverage the required reshuffling to secure additional Cabinet Secretary positions for women affiliated with the party, naming Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and others as candidates.