A high court in Kenya has granted approval for Kithure Kindiki to take office as the new Deputy President, despite ongoing legal challenges regarding the impeachment of his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua. On Thursday, October 31, the three-judge panel in Nairobi set aside a prior court order that had suspended Kindiki’s swearing-in, stating that the suspension created a political vacuum that needed to be addressed.
Gachagua was impeached and removed from his position on October 17 by a decisive vote of over two-thirds of legislators. The charges against him included corruption, inciting ethnic divisions, and supporting anti-government protests. President William Ruto nominated Kindiki, the current Minister of Interior, for the deputy role just one day after Gachagua’s impeachment.
The impeachment highlighted deep divisions within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), revealing tensions between Ruto and Gachagua, both members of the party. Gachagua faced allegations of insubordination for opposing government policies related to forced evictions during heavy rains, which led to widespread flooding and loss of life.
Gachagua is currently contesting his impeachment in the High Court, claiming that the allegations are unfounded and that the hearings were biased against him. During the Senate hearings on the impeachment, Gachagua was hospitalized due to chest pains, prompting his legal team to request a delay. However, the Senate rejected this request, arguing that Gachagua had already presented his defense.
Critics of the impeachment process, including Gachagua’s supporters, have described it as rushed and unfair, alleging that Ruto orchestrated the impeachment as a means to consolidate power. As Gachagua continues his legal battle, President Ruto is facing backlash for his administration’s tax policies aimed at repaying foreign creditors, which have drawn significant public criticism. In response to the growing discontent, Ruto has made moves to reorganize his Cabinet and reconsider certain proposals.
