The High Court in Kenya has issued a ruling that halts the appointment of Kithure Kindiki as the new Deputy President, following the impeachment and hospitalization of Rigathi Gachagua. This decision came swiftly after President William Ruto nominated Kindiki, who had already received parliamentary approval.
The court suspended Kindiki’s appointment and the Senate’s decision to uphold impeachment charges against Gachagua until a hearing on October 24, 2024 where a panel of judges appointed by the Chief Justice will review the matter.
The court emphasized that Kindiki cannot take office until the case is resolved.
Gachagua was impeached while hospitalized on October 17, 2024, after being admitted due to an attack.
His supporters have criticized the impeachment process as hasty, arguing that he deserves the opportunity to defend himself.
Gachagua had denied all allegations and was scheduled to testify on the day he was hospitalized.
Kindiki was also a leading candidate for the deputy presidency during the 2022 elections.
He has served as the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior throughout Ruto’s two-year administration, previously holding the position of senator for Tharaka-Nithi County.
Recently, lawmakers in the National Assembly moved to impeach Gachagua on 11 charges, including corruption, undermining the government, and inciting ethnic tensions.
If the impeachment is successful, Gachagua would be barred from holding any public office in the future and would forfeit his expected retirement benefits
