The High Court in Kajiado has declared that attaching politicians' names and images to projects funded by public money breaches constitutional principles governing the use of public resources, and ordered the removal of such branding in Kajiado North.

The ruling follows a petition filed by Shadrack Wambui, represented by Sheria Mtaani, against Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo, alleging that roads, schools and dispensaries financed with taxpayer money were being used as platforms for personal political promotion.

The court held that linking individual politicians to publicly financed projects contravenes constitutional governance standards and the proper management of public resources.

While the judgment declares the practice unconstitutional, the court stopped short of assigning liability, noting that the petitioner had not produced sufficient evidence to prove that Ngogoyo personally authorised the signage or directed agents to install it.

The court explicitly stated it was not satisfied that the petitioner had discharged the burden of proof to show the MP, either directly or through his agents, allowed the branding on taxpayer‑funded projects.

Consequently, while the allegations linking the MP to the signage were not established to the required standard, the central outcome remains the prohibition of personal branding on publicly funded developments.

Background to the petition

Wambui argued that the practice undermines accountability by allowing elected leaders to present public investments as personal achievements, despite the projects being financed by taxpayers.

He also questioned the attribution of certain developments to Ngogoyo, claiming that some branded projects were initiated before the MP took office, suggesting the branding was not linked to his direct actions.

The petitioner maintained that public infrastructure should serve citizens' interests rather than function as a vehicle for political self‑promotion.

Implications for public projects

The decision reinforces the principle that publicly financed projects are intended for the benefit of all citizens and should not be presented in a manner that suggests ownership by individual political leaders.

It raises broader questions about the prevalence of politicians placing their names, portraits and slogans on public infrastructure funded through government allocations rather than personal contributions.