Kenyan High Court Approves New Deputy President Despite Ongoing Legal Challenge to Predecessor’s Impeachment.

On Thursday, October 31, a Kenyan high court approved the swearing-in of a new deputy president, Kithure Kindiki, despite an ongoing court case challenging the impeachment of the former deputy president.

The three-judge panel of the Nairobi High Court overturned a prior ruling that had suspended Kindiki’s swearing-in, stating that the suspension would create a political vacuum.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was impeached on October 17 after more than two-thirds of legislators voted against him, citing corruption, inciting ethnic tensions, and supporting anti-government protests. The day after his impeachment, President William Ruto nominated Kindiki, who is currently serving as the interior minister, for the deputy president position.

Gachagua’s impeachment underscored divisions within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and tensions between Ruto and Gachagua, both UDA members. Gachagua faced accusations of insubordination after opposing the government’s forced eviction policy during severe flooding that resulted in fatalities.

Gachagua is contesting his impeachment in the Nairobi High Court, claiming the charges were unfounded and the proceedings were biased. During the Senate impeachment hearings on October 17, he was hospitalized with chest pains, prompting his legal team to request a postponement. However, the Senate denied the request, arguing that Gachagua had already presented his defense.

The Senate voted on the impeachment that same day, and Gachagua’s supporters have condemned the process as rushed and unjust, with Gachagua asserting that Ruto was behind the impeachment.

Despite initially promising to represent Kenya’s poorest citizens, Ruto has faced considerable backlash over his tax hikes aimed at repaying foreign debts. Public dissent has compelled him to reorganize his Cabinet and retract certain proposals.