The High Court in Nairobi is today set to hear a petition challenging a government directive that effectively outlawed decorative art, graffiti, and other creative enhancements on public service vehicles (PSVs).
The move sparked concern among operators and artists within the transport sector.
The petition, filed by Michael Makubo William, questions the legality and constitutionality of a notice issued by the State Law Office and the National Police Service Commission and subsequently enforced by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
The notice required all PSVs with graffiti, artistic designs, or tinted windows to remove them immediately or face sanctions.
In June 2025, Judge Bahati Mwamuye issued interim conservatory orders suspending the enforcement of the directive, allowing decorated PSVs to continue operating pending the hearing and determination of the case.
The judge held that the issues raised deserved full interrogation by the court and that interim protection was necessary to preserve the status quo.
At today’s hearing, the court is expected to consider arguments and submissions on the directive.
Activist Muteti’s cybercrime case
Activist Mulinge Muteti is expected to appear in court in a cybercrime case stemming from social media posts questioning wealth allegedly linked to Kenya’s political class.
Muteti was arrested by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) following posts made on his X (formerly Twitter) account that authorities claim amounted to incitement and the publication of false information.
Investigators allege that the content was calculated to stir public anger and potentially provoke unrest.
According to the DCI, Muteti is accused of violating Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act No. 5 of 2018.
Police said the man made the post “knowing it to be false and intending to incite violence among the public, in direct violation of Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act No. 5 of 2018.”
They add that the online platform was used to suggest that properties owned by politicians should be seized, alleging they were acquired through “ill-gotten wealth.”
The controversial post was allegedly published on December 6, 2025, under the username Mulinge Muteti.
Muteti was arraigned earlier in January before the Milimani Law Courts by detectives from the Special Crime Unit (SCU).
During the brief appearance, he denied the charges leveled against him, pleading not guilty.
Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina granted him bail of Sh15,000, allowing his release pending further proceedings.
His lawyers requested the court to direct that the prosecution supplies them with a list of witnesses and evidence for them to prepare their defence; an application that was granted.
A mention of the case is scheduled.
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