President William Ruto has named Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki as the new deputy president after Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment. The Senate voted to remove Gachagua, a major shift in Kenya’s leadership. However, a legal challenge has delayed Kindiki’s appointment. The High Court has issued a stay order, postponing his swearing-in until October 24, 2024.
Parliament approved Kindiki’s nomination quickly on Friday. Yet, the court ruling halted the transition, and judges will deliberate the matter next week. Until then, Kindiki cannot assume office.
Gachagua was impeached late Thursday while receiving medical treatment. His supporters called the process rushed, arguing that the Senate should have allowed him more time to recover and defend himself. Recently, tensions between Gachagua and Ruto have grown due to policy disagreements.
Previously, Kindiki was a top candidate for deputy president during the 2022 elections. Like Gachagua, he hails from the Mount Kenya region, a crucial voting bloc. He served as Tharaka-Nithi senator before his role as Interior Minister.
After the impeachment, Gachagua immediately challenged his removal in court. He faces accusations of corruption, undermining the government, and stirring ethnic tensions. The National Assembly earlier voted overwhelmingly for his impeachment, and the Senate finalized it.
The impeachment strips Gachagua of retirement benefits and bars him from future public office. His lawyer, Paul Muite, said Gachagua was hospitalized with chest pains, pleading for a delay in the hearings. Despite this, the Senate proceeded with the vote in his absence.
This political shift highlights growing divisions within the government. Gachagua had been a key ally in Ruto’s 2022 election victory, helping secure Mount Kenya’s votes. However, cracks appeared after Ruto reshuffled his cabinet, bringing in opposition members for a “unity government.” This followed protests over tax hikes, which left over 50 people dead.
