Adan Mohamed to Be Sworn in as KRA Commissioner-General Despite Court Ruling

Adan Mohamed is set to be sworn in as the new Commissioner General of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) on May 20, 2026, at the Supreme Court in Nairobi, despite the High Court suspending his appointment following a petition that was certified as urgent.

The ruling, delivered on May 19, 2026, by the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nairobi, temporarily halted the implementation of Aden Mohamed’s appointment pending the hearing and determination of the case.

According to the court, the petition was filed by the Consumers Federation of Kenya, which challenged the legality and constitutionality of the appointment process.

COFEK argued that the recruitment and appointment process was irregular and sought conservatory orders to prevent Mohamed from assuming office.

Court Halts Appointment of Adan Mohamed as KRA General Commissioner

The Court further highlighted that the petition raises constitutional questions surrounding public appointments, including allegations that the appointment violated laws governing public service and retirement age limits.

Additionally, the petition cites concerns over the alleged unconstitutional appointment of a person who has surpassed the mandatory retirement age to a substantive public office.

“I am aware from publicly available records that the 6th Respondent was born in December 1963 and is approximately sixty-two (62) years of age, having already exceeded the mandatory retirement age of sixty (60) years for public officers in Kenya by approximately two (2) years,” stated the petitioner.

The case references Gazette Notice No. 7393 dated May 18, 2026, which formally appointed Adan Mohamed as KRA Commissioner General.

Also Read: Court Orders Destruction of Vessel Linked to Ksh 8.2B Meth Cargo

Court Issues Way Forward to Petition Challenging Adan’s Appointment

Meanwhile, in orders issued by Justice Jacob Gakeri, the court directed that the Notice of Motion be served to all respondents immediately, with affidavits of service to be filed.

The matter is scheduled to be placed before the trial court on May 21, 2026, for further directions.

“The Notice of Motion be placed before the trial court on 21st May 2026 for further directions,” the court order stated.

Also Read: Petition Filed to Stop Adan Mohamed’s Appointment as KRA Commissioner-General

In addition, the respondents must file their responses to the notice of motion by 5 pm on May 22, 2026, ahead of the scheduled hearing.

The court also warned that any disobedience or non-observance of its orders would attract penal consequences.

Adan Mohamed replaced Humphrey Wattanga for a three-year tenure, who was appointed as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Australia by President William Ruto.

He served as a Cabinet Secretary during the tenure of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

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KRA workers at a workshop. Photo/ KRA