Kenya's Leadership Crisis Deepens: Court Blocks New Deputy President

Kenya's Deputy President Appointment Blocked by High Court

“Due to the issues raised in the petition and application, and the urgency demonstrated...”

Court Halts Kenya's Deputy President Appointment: High court issues injunction blocking Kithure Kindiki's swearing-in.

The high court's decision comes amid Kenya's ongoing political unrest, following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on allegations of constitutional violations.

Kenya's parliament overwhelmingly backed President William Ruto's pick, Kithure Kindiki, to replace ousted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who faced historic impeachment on October 18. However, in a stunning twist, a high court issued an injunction blocking Kindiki's swearing-in.

Kithure Kindiki, a 52-year-old academic and rising political star, was a top contender following Gachagua's Senate removal on October 17. Kenya, known for its stable democracy, is captivated by the dramatic events.

The impeachment saga unfolded rapidly on October 18. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula announced Ruto's nomination of Kindiki in the morning, followed by a unanimous 236-0 parliamentary vote in favour.

“The vote is overwhelmingly 'yes' and so the nomination is hereby declared passed by the house,” Wetangula said.

Kithure Kindiki, President William Ruto's pick for deputy president, has been unanimously endorsed by Kenya's parliament, but his swearing-in has hit a roadblock. As the former interior minister in Ruto's government, Kindiki's nomination followed the historic impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua on October 17, 2024.

However, in response to a petition from Gachagua's legal team, a high court issued an injunction that effectively halts the process until October 24. This temporary halt is pending a hearing on the matter, leaving Kindiki's formal appointment and swearing-in in limbo.

Kindiki, a seasoned politician and lawyer, has an impressive track record. Born on July 17, 1972, he represented Tharaka-Nithi County in the Senate from 2013 to 2022 and served as the Senate's first majority leader. With his extensive experience and education, including a PhD in International Law from the University of Pretoria, Kindiki is well-equipped to take on the role of deputy president.

“Due to the issues raised in the petition and application, and the urgency demonstrated, a conservatory order is hereby issued staying implementation of the resolution by the Senate,” the order read.

Kenya's Senate made history on October 17, 2024, by impeaching Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, the first deputy president to face impeachment since the country's 2010 constitutional revision. Gachagua was found guilty on five of the eleven charges brought against him, despite his absence due to health issues. His sudden hospitalization in a Nairobi suburb threw the session into chaos, denying him the chance to testify in his defense.

The Senate rejected Gachagua's legal team's request to postpone the hearings, prompting his lawyers to walk out in protest. This dramatic turn of events has significant implications for Kenya's political landscape. Gachagua's impeachment was backed by 241 MPs, exceeding the required threshold of one-third of the House's total membership.

Impeachment Proceedings:

Charges: Gachagua faced eleven charges, with five resulting in a guilty verdict.

Constitutional Significance: This impeachment marks the first time a deputy president has been impeached under Kenya's revised 2010 constitution.

Political Ramifications: Gachagua's removal has sparked intense debate and uncertainty within Kenya's political sphere.

Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment marks the culmination of a bitter split with President William Ruto, whom he helped secure a narrow victory in the 2022 election by mobilizing support from the key Mount Kenya region. This dramatic turn of events began when the National Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of impeachment on October 8, with 281 MPs supporting the motion, 44 against, and one abstention.

Gachagua's downfall was further solidified when the Senate, the upper house of parliament, found him guilty on five of the eleven charges brought against him, including corruption, ethnic discrimination, and contradicting government policies. His impeachment was historic, marking the first time a deputy president has been removed from office under Kenya's 2010 constitution.

Gachagua's relationship with Ruto began to deteriorate, leading to his impeachment. The motion to impeach him was introduced in Parliament on October 1, citing eleven articles of impeachment. Despite his efforts to annul the impeachment proceedings, the High Court dismissed his motion on October 15, paving the way for the Senate trial.

Events Leading to Impeachment:

October 1: Motion to impeach Gachagua introduced in Parliament 

October 8: National Assembly votes overwhelmingly in favor of impeachment 

October 15: High Court dismisses Gachagua's motion to annul impeachment proceedings.

October 17: Senate finds Gachagua guilty on five charges.