Parliament Approves Kindiki as Deputy President Amid Gachagua Impeachment Dispute
Professor Kithure Kindiki has officially been appointed as Kenya’s new Deputy President following approval from parliament on Friday. The appointment came just hours after the Senate voted to impeach his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, over multiple charges, sparking a political reshuffle within President William Ruto’s administration.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula confirmed receiving a message from President Ruto nominating Kindiki, who has been serving as Interior Minister, to fill the now-vacant office of the Deputy President. Parliament swiftly approved the nomination.
The impeachment of Gachagua was based on five of eleven charges, including gross violation of the constitution and incitement to ethnic division, charges he categorically denied, attributing them to political machinations. Despite his claims of innocence, Gachagua was removed from office after a Senate vote.
Kindiki, a longtime ally of Ruto, had been a strong contender for the deputy president position during the 2022 election but instead was appointed as Interior Minister after Ruto took office. His appointment as Deputy President comes amid heightened political tensions, public protests, and shifting alliances within the ruling government.
Gachagua, who had played a crucial role in securing central Kenya’s votes for Ruto in 2022, found himself increasingly isolated in recent months. Reports suggested growing tension between him and Ruto, leading to his impeachment. Gachagua has since filed multiple petitions challenging the process and on Friday sought a court injunction to prevent Kindiki’s appointment from moving forward while his case is heard.
Gachagua’s absence during the critical Senate vote was due to his hospitalization, but his political future remains uncertain as he battles both legal and political challenges.
Kindiki’s appointment comes at a crucial time as Kenya grapples with unrest and public dissatisfaction over stalled reforms, which the Interior Ministry has had a key role in managing.
