President William Ruto’s nomination of Kithure Kindiki as his new deputy hit a legal roadblock on Friday after the Kenyan High Court delayed his appointment, pending a hearing on the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The court’s intervention came after lawmakers had already approved Kindiki’s appointment, prolonging the political uncertainty that has gripped Kenya following widespread protests earlier this year over controversial tax increases.
In a ruling, the court stated that Kindiki’s assumption of office, along with the Senate’s decision to impeach Gachagua, is suspended until October 24, when a bench of judges will review the case. Additionally, a separate order bars Kindiki from taking up his duties until the judicial review is completed.
Gachagua, who had been a key ally in Ruto’s rise to power in 2022, was impeached on several charges, including gross constitutional violations and inciting ethnic divisions—charges he has vehemently denied, calling them politically driven. His removal marks the first time in Kenya’s history that a deputy president has been ousted through impeachment.
Kindiki, a long-time contender for a top government post and the current Interior Minister, was chosen for the deputy president role just as the political landscape continues to shift amid growing tensions. His role as Interior Minister placed him at the center of national security during a period of mass protests, where the police were criticized for their handling of demonstrators.
In response to his impeachment, Gachagua has filed multiple legal challenges, seeking to halt the nomination of his replacement and challenge the Senate’s decision, arguing that the impeachment process was flawed. His camp claims that the political maneuvers surrounding his ousting are part of a broader power struggle within the government.
Despite the legal battles and political maneuvering, President Ruto remains focused on stabilizing his government while addressing the economic and security concerns of the nation.