In a politically charged move, Kenya’s President William Ruto has nominated Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki as his new deputy president, following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The nomination, made on Friday, came just a day after the Senate voted to impeach Gachagua on multiple charges, but the transition has been put on hold by a High Court ruling.
Parliament quickly approved Kindiki’s nomination, signaling broad support for the president’s choice. However, the High Court in Nairobi has issued an order halting Kindiki’s appointment until October 24. During that time, a panel of judges appointed by the chief justice will review the legality of the impeachment process and the subsequent nomination. The court’s ruling also prevents Kindiki from assuming office until the case has been fully heard.
Gachagua, who was hospitalized at the time of his impeachment, has criticized the proceedings as rushed. His supporters argue that the Senate should have allowed more time for Gachagua to recover and defend himself. Despite these calls, the Senate moved forward with the vote, citing the urgency of addressing the charges against him. These charges include corruption, undermining the government, and inciting ethnic hatred.
Gachagua’s sudden impeachment has brought internal rifts within the ruling party into the spotlight, as tensions between President Ruto and his former deputy have become increasingly evident. Despite his critical role in securing votes for Ruto’s 2022 election victory, particularly in the influential Mount Kenya region, Gachagua’s relationship with the president has reportedly soured, leading to his ousting.
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Kithure Kindiki, a close ally of President Ruto, has long been a frontrunner for the deputy president position. At 52, he has served as the Interior Minister during Ruto’s two-year leadership and previously held the position of senator for Tharaka-Nithi County. His nomination is seen as a strategic move to maintain influence in the Mount Kenya region, which has been pivotal in the country’s political landscape.
Gachagua’s impeachment, which was supported by a majority of lawmakers in the National Assembly, strips him of his retirement benefits and bars him from holding public office in the future. His legal team, led by lawyer Paul Muite, has argued that the impeachment was unjust, especially given Gachagua’s illness at the time. Despite these efforts, the Senate pushed forward, and Judge Eric Ogola allowed the process to proceed.
The political landscape in Kenya has been turbulent in recent months. In July, President Ruto made sweeping changes to his cabinet, removing key allies and bringing opposition members into what he called a “unity government.” These moves followed nationwide protests against tax hikes that resulted in the deaths of over 50 people, highlighting deep divisions and unrest within the country.
As the October 24 court hearing approaches, all eyes will be on Kenya’s judiciary to see whether Gachagua’s impeachment and Kindiki’s nomination will stand. For now, the country remains in political limbo, as the outcome of this high-stakes battle could shape the future of Kenya’s government.