On November 1, 2024, in a ceremonial event brimming with significance, President William Ruto entrusted the Kenyan constitution to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki following Kindiki’s oath of office.
Nairobi — Kithure Kindiki stepped into his role as Kenya’s deputy president on a Friday, mere hours after a judicial verdict lifted restrictions that had been preventing his nomination. He was chosen to succeed the impeached Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, who is currently pursuing legal avenues to reclaim his former position.
During a broadcasted event held at the Kenyatta International Convention Center in Nairobi, Kindiki vowed to serve his nation unwaveringly, promising to uphold the trust President Ruto bestowed upon him. Ruto praised Kindiki, referring to him as “a committed professional” and “a patriot with an unblemished record in promoting unity and inclusiveness.”
Having served in Ruto’s cabinet for the past two years, Kindiki faced significant backlash earlier this year for backing alleged police misconduct during protests against the government. Additionally, he attracted criticism when Kenyan authorities decided to deploy police forces to Haiti, a move he and Ruto staunchly defended.
The swearing-in ceremony occurred within a day of the court’s ruling, presenting a setback for Gachagua, who was ousted in mid-October due to serious accusations, including gross misconduct and subverting the president’s authority. In the past fortnight, Gachagua’s legal team has filed around 30 lawsuits challenging this decision.
Thursday saw a highly awaited ruling from a trio of judges, who expressed their findings publicly. “The public’s interest in this situation favors adherence to the constitution, which is in essence, the people’s will,” remarked Judge Antony Mrima, alongside his colleagues Eric Ogola and Freda Mugambi.
“We must heed this call, as the public interest dictates that the deputy president’s office should not remain empty,” they added.
After Gachagua’s ousting, President Ruto wasted no time in nominating Kindiki, a choice that lawmakers in the National Assembly quickly ratified. However, impending legal matters prompted the court to pause any subsequent actions until the issues could be duly addressed. The judges found themselves entangled in challenges and petitions led by Gachagua’s attorneys, questioning their appointment validity and potential bias. All such claims were dismissed.
Gachagua faced conviction on five of the eleven allegations brought against him, which included claims of gross misconduct, improper wealth acquisition, and undermining presidential authority. He has firmly denied all accusations leveled against him.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
