The High Court in Nairobi has announced a hearing date of March 5 for a petition filed by the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) against Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo. The petition seeks to limit Chivayo's access to State House, arguing that his unmonitored presence poses significant risks to Kenya's constitutional integrity and national security. Chivayo, linked to Zimbabwe's ZANU-PF political party, has been accused of fraud, which raises alarms about his interactions with high levels of Kenyan governance.

COFEK argues that allowing a convicted fraudster to maintain unrestricted access to State House could undermine the dignity of the Kenyan presidency and impact the country's international standing. The organization contends that the situation necessitates the establishment of stricter guidelines for how sitting presidents interact with individuals that have dubious legal backgrounds. The federation's concerns also extend to potential threats to Kenya's sovereignty, emphasizing the gravity of the matter at hand.

Justice Lawrence Mugambi has declared the application urgent following a review of the petition, indicating the court's recognition of the serious implications presented by the case. This development highlights ongoing tensions in Kenya regarding governance, foreign influence, and the need for stringent rules governing state access, particularly concerning individuals with criminal records from abroad.