Kenyan President William Ruto has nominated Kithure Kindiki, the current Interior Minister, as his new deputy, following the Senate’s recent impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Gachagua, who was hospitalized during the impeachment proceedings and unable to defend himself, faced 11 charges and was ousted on five counts, including undermining the judiciary and gross misconduct. Despite Gachagua’s lawyer Paul Muite requesting a delay in the vote due to Gachagua’s health issues, the impeachment vote proceeded with 281 MPs voting in favor, 44 against, and one abstention.
Moses Wetang’ula, Speaker of Parliament, announced on Friday that President Ruto had formally nominated Kindiki, a close ally who has served as Interior Minister throughout Ruto’s presidency. Kindiki previously represented Tharaka Nithi County as a senator and was a strong contender for Ruto’s running mate in the 2022 election.
Parliament is set to vote on Kindiki’s nomination before he can be officially sworn in as deputy president. Gachagua, who claims the impeachment was politically motivated, has vowed to fight the charges against him.