On Thursday, October 31, a Kenyan High Court cleared the way for Kithure Kindiki to be sworn in as the country’s new Deputy President, despite an ongoing legal battle regarding the impeachment of his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua. The three-judge panel overturned an earlier court’s decision to delay Kindiki’s swearing-in, arguing that the political vacuum left by Gachagua’s impeachment needed to be filled without further delay.
Gachagua was removed from office on October 17 following a Senate vote that saw more than two-thirds of legislators supporting his ouster. His impeachment was based on allegations of corruption, incitement of ethnic divisions, and endorsement of anti-government protests. The charges created significant tension within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), revealing fractures between Gachagua and President William Ruto, who nominated Kindiki, the Interior Minister, as the new Deputy President the day after the impeachment.
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Gachagua, however, is challenging the impeachment, asserting that the accusations were baseless and that his hearing was marred by procedural flaws. During the Senate hearings on October 17, Gachagua reportedly experienced chest pains, and his legal team requested a postponement. Despite his plea, the Senate proceeded, voting in favor of his removal later that day. Gachagua and his supporters have condemned the process as rushed, claiming that it was influenced by Ruto himself.
This internal shakeup comes as Ruto, who was elected on a platform promising to uplift Kenya’s most vulnerable citizens, faces mounting public frustration. His recent efforts to increase taxes to address Kenya’s foreign debt sparked public opposition, compelling Ruto to rethink his fiscal policies and make adjustments within his Cabinet.
As the political landscape in Kenya remains volatile, many are now watching to see how Kindiki will handle his new role, especially given the recent tensions within the UDA and the challenges facing Ruto’s administration.
