Kenyan Court Stops Replacement Of Impeached Deputy President

A Kenyan court has temporarily stopped the replacement of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua following his impeachment by parliament.

The Kenyan Parliament impeached Gachagua on Thursday over alleged corruption and incitement of ethnic division.

On Friday morning, President William Ruto appointed Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki as Gachagua’s successor.

Moses Wetangula, the Speaker of the National Assembly, confirmed Ruto’s nomination of Kindiki and urged lawmakers to proceed with the confirmation vote.

However, the court ruled shortly after the National Assembly had approved Kindiki’s appointment, suspending the replacement over issues relating to the legality of the impeachment and public interest.

Gachagua was reportedly absent from the impeachment trial because he was hospitalised. However, the Senate moved forward with his impeachment, convicting him on five of the 11 charges against him.

Kindiki, who has been interior minister for over two years, faced criticism earlier this year over allegations of police brutality during anti-government protests that turned violent.

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