Kenya’s new deputy president, Kindiki Kithure, has officially taken office two weeks after the impeachment of his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, over serious allegations of corruption and inciting ethnic divisions. Kithure’s swearing-in ceremony took place on Friday in Nairobi and was marked by a vibrant gathering of government officials and Western diplomats.
The High Court cleared the way for Kithure’s swearing-in on Thursday by lifting previous orders that had suspended it. This decision comes despite ongoing legal challenges from Gachagua, who is contesting his impeachment in court, asserting that the charges against him lack evidence and that the proceedings were unjust.
Gachagua was removed from office on October 17 by a substantial vote in parliament, where more than two-thirds of legislators supported his impeachment on charges including corruption and inciting violence during anti-government protests. The very next day, President William Ruto nominated Kindiki Kithure for the deputy position.
The impeachment highlighted tensions within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party and showcased growing discord between Ruto and Gachagua, both UDA members. Gachagua had previously faced accusations of insubordination for opposing government policies, particularly those regarding forced evictions during severe flooding in the country.
In his inaugural speech, Kithure described the occasion as a celebration of “the constitution and our democracy.” He pledged his loyalty to President Ruto, who encouraged him to prioritize serving the people of Kenya. Ruto emphasized that public officials should not act out of self-interest but must adhere to the principles of the constitution and the rule of law.
Kithure, a former interior minister, assumes the deputy presidency at a time when Kenya grapples with rising concerns over arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances, alarming human rights advocates and foreign diplomats. The nation is also facing significant economic challenges, including a steep rise in the cost of living and recent tax increases.
Earlier this year, widespread anti-government protests erupted over a proposed finance bill that aimed to raise taxes. This unrest peaked on June 25, culminating in demonstrators storming and setting fire to parliament, resulting in several fatalities among protesters outside the legislative building.
Ruto, who rose to power on a platform promising to advocate for Kenya’s marginalized communities, has faced substantial backlash regarding his administration’s tax policies designed to address debts owed to foreign creditors. This public dissent has compelled him to reorganize his Cabinet and reconsider some of his proposed reforms.
