Kenyan Court Lifts Order Preventing Kithure Kindiki’s Swearing-in As Deputy President

A Kenyan court has lifted the order preventing the swearing-in of Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President. This follows his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment over allegations of gross misconduct, corruption, and ethnic incitement. Gachagua, who was removed from office in mid-October, has denied the charges and said they are politically motivated.

President William Ruto nominated Kindiki, the Interior Minister, to fill the position just hours after Gachagua’s removal. Parliament swiftly approved the choice, but a court temporarily halted the process. The court cited concerns over the legality of the impeachment. However, on Thursday, the three-judge panel, led by Judge Antony Mrima with Judges Eric Ogola and Freda Mugambi, lifted the order stopping Kindiki’s swearing-in. They stated that the deputy president’s office should not be left vacant.

Before the decision, Gachagua’s lawyers filed over 30 cases in recent weeks, challenging both the impeachment and the appointment of Kindiki. They argued against the court’s jurisdiction and questioned the impartiality of the three judges. The judges dismissed these challenges and affirmed the court’s authority.

It can be recalled that Kenya’s Senate had convicted Gachagua on five out of eleven charges, including accusations of irregular wealth acquisition and undermining the president. Gachagua was absent from parts of the trial due to hospitalisation, but the Senate proceeded with the impeachment.

His removal notably follows his fallout with Ruto, with whom he ran in the 2022 election. Kindiki’s potential appointment to the deputy presidency has been met with mixed feelings, as he faced criticism earlier this year over alleged police brutality during recent #RutoMustGo protests.

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