A Kenyan high court has issued a temporary suspension of the Senate’s decision to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, following a petition that cited “monumental constitutional issues.”
Earlier today, Gachagua approached the court to halt the implementation of his impeachment. Presiding Judge Chacha Mwita ruled to temporarily pause the impeachment process pending a hearing.
The court also suspended the appointment of a new deputy president, which had seen Kenya’s President William Ruto nominate Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki. The National Assembly had approved Kindiki’s appointment earlier on Friday.
Judge Mwita emphasized the constitutional significance of the case, stating, “I am satisfied that the petition raises fundamental constitutional issues concerning the rule of law and human rights.” The case is set for review on October 24, when a bench appointed by the Chief Justice will address the matter.
The political drama surrounding Gachagua’s impeachment has captivated the East African country, which is generally regarded as a stable democracy in a turbulent region.