Kenyatta National Hospital Chief Executive Officer Richard Lesiyampe Leserian. [File, Standard]
A Nairobi lawyer has moved to the High Court challenging the appointment and continued occupation of the office of Kenyatta National Hospital Chief Executive Officer by Richard Lesiyampe Leserian.
In a petition filed at the High Court’s Constitutional and Human Rights Division, advocate Samwel Muiruri Mwangi claims the appointment raises serious questions over compliance with the Constitution, the Public Service Commission Act and regulations governing senior public appointments.
Mwangi wants the court to suspend the implementation and operation of Lesiyampe’s appointment and restrain him from continuing to exercise the powers and functions of KNH chief executive pending determination of the petition.
The petitioner says the dispute centres on whether a public officer who had attained the mandatory retirement age could lawfully be appointed or retained in one of the highest executive offices within a State Corporation without strict compliance with the law.
“At the core of this Petition lies the constitutional question whether a public officer who has attained the mandatory retirement age prescribed under the prevailing public service framework may lawfully be appointed, retained or continue serving in one of the highest executive offices within a State Corporation without strict compliance with the Constitution,” the petition states.
According to the court papers, Lesiyampe was appointed to act as KNH CEO on August 19, 2025, pending substantive recruitment to fill the position.
The petitioner says that on June 29, 2026, the KNH Board of Management resolved to appoint Lesiyampe on a one-year fixed-term contract beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027.