Kenya’s Ruto Nominates Interior Minister Kindiki as New Deputy President Amid Political Turmoil
Kenyan President William Ruto has nominated Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki as the country’s new deputy president, following the controversial impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua. The nomination, announced on Friday, received swift parliamentary approval, but the High Court has temporarily halted the replacement process until legal challenges to the impeachment are resolved.
High Court Blocks Immediate Replacement of Gachagua
Gachagua, who was impeached late Thursday while hospitalized, filed a court application on Friday to contest the proceedings. Judge Enock Chacha Mwita issued an injunction, pausing the appointment of Kindiki as deputy president until Thursday, when the court will hear arguments against the impeachment.
Gachagua’s supporters have criticized the Senate’s impeachment vote as rushed, arguing that additional time should have been granted to allow him to recover and defend himself in person. His lawyer, Paul Muite, confirmed that Gachagua had been hospitalized with severe chest pains and urged the Senate to delay proceedings, but the request was denied.
Impeachment Exposes Internal Divisions
The impeachment of Gachagua has exposed deep divisions within the ruling party and highlighted tensions between President Ruto and his former deputy over government policies. Gachagua, a key figure in Ruto’s 2022 election campaign, had helped secure substantial support from the vote-rich Mount Kenya region but was reportedly sidelined as alliances within the administration shifted.
Ruto’s decision to sack most of his cabinet in July and appoint opposition figures to a unity government added to the political fallout. The reshuffle came in response to nationwide protests against tax increases, during which more than 50 people were killed.
Kindiki: A Trusted Ally and Experienced Leader
Kithure Kindiki, 52, a close ally of Ruto, has held the powerful interior ministry portfolio throughout Ruto’s two years in office. He previously served as senator for Tharaka-Nithi County and was considered a leading contender for deputy president during the 2022 elections. Like Gachagua, Kindiki hails from the politically influential Mount Kenya region.
Ruto’s decision to nominate Kindiki signals a shift in the administration’s political strategy, aiming to consolidate power while managing internal dissent.
Legal and Political Uncertainty Ahead
While Gachagua’s removal has triggered legal challenges, it has also cost him his retirement benefits and bars him from holding public office again. His impeachment underscores the shifting political landscape in Kenya, with alliances realigning as Ruto navigates a turbulent period marked by economic challenges and public discontent.
The High Court’s ruling on Thursday will determine whether Kindiki can officially assume the deputy president role or if Gachagua’s legal challenge will succeed, potentially complicating Ruto’s leadership further.
Source : Swifteradio.com
