Kenya’s President William Ruto has nominated Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki as the country’s new deputy president, following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua. The nomination, made on Friday, comes just a day after the Senate voted to remove Gachagua from office. While parliament swiftly approved Kindiki’s nomination, the Nairobi High Court issued an order temporarily blocking his appointment until further legal proceedings take place.
The court ruling suspends both the Senate’s decision to impeach Gachagua and Kindiki’s nomination as the new deputy president until October 24. A panel of judges, appointed by Kenya’s chief justice, is expected to deliberate on the matter before any final decision is made. Until then, Kindiki cannot assume office.
Gachagua’s impeachment has sparked controversy, particularly due to the speed at which the process unfolded. On Thursday, the Senate voted to remove him from office while he was hospitalized, reportedly suffering from severe chest pains. His lawyer, Paul Muite, requested a postponement of the proceedings, citing Gachagua’s medical condition, but the Senate chose to proceed without delay, igniting accusations that the process was rushed and politically motivated.
Supporters of the former deputy president have criticized the impeachment as unjust, arguing that Gachagua was not given enough time to recover and appear before the Senate to defend himself. The case has also highlighted growing tensions within Kenya’s ruling party and the deteriorating relationship between Gachagua and President Ruto. The former deputy president had played a key role in Ruto’s 2022 election victory, helping to secure votes from the Mount Kenya region, a crucial bloc in Kenyan politics.
However, in recent months, Gachagua has found himself increasingly sidelined in Ruto’s administration. Reports of a falling-out between the two leaders have been circulating in local media, with tensions reaching a peak earlier this year. Gachagua’s impeachment was based on 11 charges, including corruption, undermining the government, and inciting ethnic hatred—allegations that have left a deep rift within the government.
Despite his removal from office, Gachagua has maintained his innocence. He launched a legal challenge against the impeachment proceedings, but High Court Judge Eric Ogola allowed the process to continue, ultimately leading to the Senate’s vote to oust him. Gachagua’s impeachment also carries significant long-term consequences. As a result of the charges upheld by the Senate, he has lost his retirement benefits and is barred from holding public office in the future.
The nomination of Kithure Kindiki as Gachagua’s replacement has been seen as a strategic move by Ruto to stabilize his administration. Kindiki, a close ally of the president, hails from the same Mount Kenya region as Gachagua and was a leading contender for the deputy presidency during the 2022 elections. His close ties to Ruto, along with his experience as Interior Minister and former senator for Tharaka-Nithi County, make him a natural choice for the role.
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