Kithure Kindiki has been officially sworn in as the new deputy president of Kenya, following the recent impeachment of his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua. This significant political transition was observed by thousands of Kenyans who gathered for the event, marking a nodal point in the country’s dynamic leadership landscape. The swearing-in ceremony took place shortly after Kenya’s high court at Milimani lifted conservatory orders that had temporarily blocked the induction of a new deputy president. These orders had been in place due to a petition challenging the legislative process that led to Gachagua’s impeachment and Kindiki’s subsequent nomination.
The Senate found Rigathi Gachagua guilty on five counts of constitutional violations, a decision made under Article 149 of the Constitution of Kenya. This motivated President William Ruto to nominate Professor Kindiki as the successor for the vacated role. While the lower house endorsed this nomination, the transition was briefly halted by a legal petition. This led the high court to issue conservatory orders pausing Kindiki’s assumption of office, until a ruling was made on Gachagua’s impeachment challenge. However, the legal impediment was removed when the court lifted these orders, emphasizing the necessity of not leaving the deputy presidency unoccupied.
Upon taking the oath of office, Professor Kindiki expressed gratitude to the president for his nomination and affirmed his commitment to assisting in the administration’s objectives to initiate transformative change in Kenya. Despite his ascension, there are lingering concerns regarding Kindiki’s new role, as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission did not approve his appointment. Prior to this, Kindiki held the position of Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration.
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