Kenya's Deputy President Impeached, Court Blocks R...

Kenya's Deputy President Impeached, Court Blocks Replacement Until Hearing

Zim Now Writer

Kenyan President William Ruto has appointed Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki as the new deputy president, following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua.

However, the High Court has temporarily blocked Kindiki's appointment, pending a case hearing scheduled for October 24 that challenges Gachagua’s removal from office.

The political turmoil began after the Senate voted to impeach Gachagua on Thursday, marking the first time in Kenya's history that a deputy president has been removed through impeachment. Gachagua faced 11 charges, with five upheld, including gross violations of the constitution and inciting ethnic hatred. He denies the accusations, calling them politically motivated, and has filed multiple cases to contest the process.

Despite lawmakers approving Kindiki’s appointment, the court has ordered that he cannot assume office until the case is resolved. Gachagua, who was absent during the Senate vote due to hospitalization, helped Ruto secure a significant voter base in central Kenya during the 2022 election. However, recent tensions between the two have surfaced, with Gachagua claiming he has been sidelined.

Kindiki, a key figure in Ruto's administration, was appointed interior minister after the 2022 election and has overseen the police during the nationwide protests against tax hikes earlier this year. Rights groups have criticized the police for using excessive force, though Kindiki defended their actions, saying they operated within the law.

Gachagua continues to challenge his impeachment, prolonging the political uncertainty in Kenya.