Kenya’s President William Ruto has nominated Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki as his new deputy, just hours after the Senate voted to impeach Rigathi Gachagua, who previously held the position. The nomination, announced on Friday,must be approved by Parliament.
In a statement to the National Assembly, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said, “I have received a message from the president regarding the nomination of Professor Kithure Kindiki to fill the vacancy which has occurred in the office.”
Meanwhile, a Kenyan high court has issued a temporary suspension of the Senate’s decision to impeach the Deputy President, following a petition citing “monumental constitutional issues.”
Gachagua had approached the court to halt the implementation of his impeachment. Presiding Judge Chacha Mwita ruled to temporarily pause the impeachment process pending a hearing.
The court also suspended the appointment of a new deputy president, which had already seen Kenya’s President William Ruto nominate Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki. The National Assembly had approved Kindiki’s appointment earlier on Friday.4 / 1:00
Judge Mwita highlighted the constitutional significance of the case, stating, “I am satisfied that the petition raises fundamental constitutional issues concerning the rule of law and human rights.” The case is set to be reviewed on October 24, when a bench appointed by the Chief Justice will address the matter.
Gachagua was impeached on five out of 11 charges, including gross violation of the constitution and incitement of ethnic hatred. He has denied the allegations, labeling them as politically motivated.
Despite his crucial support in Ruto’s 2022 election victory and his role in securing a significant voter base from the populous central Kenya region, Gachagua has recently expressed feelings of being sidelined amid reports of a rift with the president.
Kithure Kindiki, a close ally of Ruto, was a prominent contender for the vice presidency in the 2022 elections and was appointed interior minister shortly after Ruto took office in September of that year.
His responsibilities include oversight of the police, which has faced criticism from rights groups for alleged excessive use of force during protests earlier this year.
These protests were primarily aimed at opposing a now-shelved finance law and calling for reforms to address corruption.
During a parliamentary appearance in September, Kindiki defended the police’s actions, stating, “The police acted within the law,” and denied that the government engaged in extrajudicial killings or abductions.
