The High Court on Thursday rescinded an order that had been preventing the swearing-in of Kithure Kindiki as deputy president, following the impeachment of his predecessor.
In a remarkable turn of events that has captivated the nation, Rigathi Gachagua was ousted from his position two weeks prior after parliament decisively endorsed an impeachment motion.
In response, President William Ruto promptly nominated Kindiki, who is currently serving as the interior minister, to succeed Gachagua.
However, the impeached deputy president contested his removal in court, alleging that it was politically motivated.
Gachagua’s legal representatives have indicated their intention to appeal the court’s decision.
Reports suggest that plans are underway to swear in Kindiki, potentially on Friday or over the weekend.
In anticipation of the ruling, security measures were intensified in various areas of the city.
Although parliament had confirmed Kindiki’s appointment, a court had previously suspended his swearing-in pending legal challenges from Gachagua and others.
On Thursday, a panel of three judges lifted the orders that had been obstructing Kindiki’s swearing-in, asserting that a prolonged vacancy in the deputy president’s office was “untenable.”
The court emphasized the necessity for continuity in the role of the country’s second-in-command.
Gachagua’s attorneys have announced their intention to appeal the judges’ decision.
Nevertheless, the court also affirmed that the case contesting Gachagua’s impeachment may proceed.
During the impeachment process, lawmakers upheld various charges against Gachagua, including inciting ethnic divisions and breaching his oath of office.
Numerous efforts made by him to undermine the impeachment proceedings were rejected by the judges; however, he pledged to contest his removal in court.
The 59-year-old was impeached while hospitalized.
He contended that he was deprived of his right to a fair hearing, asserting that the allegations against him lacked sufficient evidence.
Gachagua, widely recognized as Riggy G, is a prosperous businessman from the influential Mount Kenya region, which predominantly supported Ruto in the 2022 elections.
He is the first deputy president to face impeachment under Kenya’s amended 2010 constitution.
Kindiki, a 52-year-old former law professor hailing from the Mount Kenya region, was a leading candidate to succeed Gachagua.
Gachagua’s downfall represents the culmination of a significant rift with Ruto, which intensified following violent protests in June over unpopular tax increases, revealing fractures within the ruling party.
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