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On Thursday, a three-judge panel rescinded this delay, ruling that leaving the deputy president’s office vacant for too long was “untenable” and emphasizing the need for continuity in the role.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.
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