Kenyan President William Ruto has nominated Interior Minister Kithuri Kindiki as his new deputy, following the historic impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua. Kindiki, a 52-year-old academic-turned-politician, emerged as a front-runner for the position after the Senate voted to remove Gachagua on Thursday in a dramatic and unprecedented move.
The impeachment of Gachagua, Ruto’s running mate in the 2022 elections, has captured the attention of the nation, marking a significant moment in Kenyan politics. Known for its stable democracy within the turbulent East African region, Kenya is witnessing the first impeachment of a deputy president since the 2010 constitution reform.
Despite Gachagua’s absence from the proceedings, the Senate found him guilty of five out of eleven charges, pressing forward with the decision. Gachagua’s legal team walked out in protest after their appeal to delay the hearings was rejected. Gachagua was reportedly rushed to a hospital in Nairobi and unable to testify in his defense, adding to the political turmoil.
The impeachment has sparked widespread interest, and on Friday, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula announced Ruto’s nomination of Kindiki to fill the vacant post. Parliament is now set to vote on the nomination.
Kindiki, who has served as Interior Minister in Ruto’s administration for over two years, has faced criticism for alleged police brutality during the anti-government protests earlier in the year. However, his nomination is expected to move forward quickly as the government seeks to stabilize the political situation.
Kenyan newspapers widely reported on the impeachment, with headlines like “Fired” in The Standard marking the significance of the event in the nation’s political history.