Kenya’s High Court has cleared the path for Kithure Kindiki to be sworn in as deputy president, following the impeachment of his predecessor. This decision lifts a previous court order that delayed Kindiki’s inauguration. Rigathi Gachagua, the former deputy president, was removed from office two weeks prior when parliament overwhelmingly voted in favor of his impeachment.

Immediately after the impeachment, President William Ruto nominated Kindiki, who is also the interior minister, to succeed Gachagua. However, Gachagua contested his ousting in court, calling it a politically driven move. Although parliament had approved Kindiki’s appointment, a court initially halted his swearing-in, pending Gachagua’s legal challenge.

On Thursday, a three-judge panel rescinded this delay, ruling that leaving the deputy president’s office vacant for too long was “untenable” and emphasizing the need for continuity in the role. Gachagua’s legal team has vowed to appeal the court’s decision, though the judges permitted ongoing legal proceedings to challenge Gachagua’s impeachment.

The impeachment itself included accusations against Gachagua of inciting ethnic divisions and violating his oath of office, charges that were upheld by lawmakers. Gachagua, who was in the hospital during the impeachment, contends he was denied a fair hearing and insists the charges lack evidence. Known as “Riggy G” among supporters, Gachagua is a prominent businessman from the influential Mount Kenya region, a key supporter base for Ruto in the 2022 elections.

At 59, Gachagua is the first deputy president to be impeached under Kenya’s 2010 constitution. Kindiki, 52, a former law professor and also from Mount Kenya, had been a leading candidate for the position. Gachagua’s removal caps a bitter rift with Ruto, which intensified after violent protests erupted in June over tax hikes, exposing divisions within the ruling party.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a $606 million loan for Kenya to support the nation as it tackles mounting debt and revenue challenges following recent financial setbacks.

Kenya recognized as an economic leader in East Africa, is currently burdened with around $80 billion in both external and domestic debt, with interest payments consuming two-thirds of its annual revenue—exceeding the country’s healthcare and education expenditures.

This IMF loan approval follows delayed reviews due to widespread protests triggered by a proposed finance bill, which aimed to generate approximately $2 billion through new taxes across various sectors.

The unrest, fueled by ongoing inflation and corruption scandals, resulted in over 60 fatalities and led to President William Ruto ultimately withdrawing the bill.

Despite socio-economic pressures, “Kenya’s economy remains resilient, with growth above the regional average, decreasing inflation, and external inflows that are strengthening the shilling and external reserves,” remarked Gita Gopinath, IMF’s first deputy managing director. However, Gopinath emphasized the need for improved revenue and export performance, given the setbacks from the abandoned finance bill.

She highlighted the necessity of transparent communication regarding the benefits of future reforms and stressed the importance of bolstering Kenya’s banking sector, as well as addressing governance and corruption issues.

Earlier this month, Kenya requested an IMF-led audit on governance, aligning with recommendations from Western creditors to enhance the nation’s financial transparency and reputation after recent corruption scandals and the violent suppression of protests.