Kenyan Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki has received a nomination to assume the role of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who the Senate recently impeached. This landmark ruling comes after a contentious trial where Gachagua, known as “Riggy G,” faced conviction on five of the eleven charges against him, including inciting ethnic divisions and breaching his oath of office.
Gachagua’s Dramatic Fall from Power
Gachagua, a notable individual from the Mount Kenya region, faced impeachment by the National Assembly last week, resulting in a decisive 282-44 vote. The Senate impeachment trial, taking place on Thursday, October 17, unfolded with intense drama. Gachagua, who refutes all accusations, was present at the trial in the morning but was subsequently hospitalised due to reported chest pains, as stated by his legal team. In a decisive move, the Senate advanced proceedings, resulting in a vote of 54-13 in favour of his ousting from office, despite his absence.
This impeachment marks a historic moment. Gachagua stands as the first sitting deputy president in Kenya to face ousting from office through these proceedings. The accusations levelled against him arise from claims of insubordination, incitement to violence, and corruption, among other issues. Gachagua has characterised the situation as a “political lynching,” linking it to internal conflicts within the government, particularly after his rift with President William Ruto.
A Heated Impeachment Trial
The tension between Ruto and Gachagua, who were elected together merely two years prior, intensified in June when Gachagua openly condemned Kenya’s intelligence services for not sufficiently informing the president about the extensive protests against unpopular tax increases. Gachagua’s comments, perceived as a challenge to the president’s authority, escalated tensions and ultimately contributed to his demise.
In the midst of the impeachment trial, Gachagua’s defence team sought a delay, citing their client’s hospitalisation and his reported chest pains, along with ongoing medical treatment. Despite requests for a postponement, the Senate moved forward with the trial, ultimately leading to a decisive vote for his removal. Elisha Ongoya, one of Gachagua’s legal representatives, characterised the allegations as “false, ridiculous, or embarrassing.”
President Ruto’s Quick Response
In light of the political repercussions, President William Ruto promptly put forward Kithure Kindiki, the Interior Minister of Kenya, as the candidate for the new deputy president. Kindiki, an experienced figure in politics and law who once defended Ruto during his trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC), is set to serve as a steadfast deputy. Parliament has unanimously approved the nomination, largely due to the influence of Ruto’s allies.
Kindiki’s strong connections with Ruto have established him as a significant figure within Ruto’s administration. His nomination arrives at a moment rife with political tension, as Gachagua’s impeachment indicates a strengthening of the president’s authority.
High Court Halts Kindiki’s Swearing-In
The Nairobi High Court has issued a temporary order that puts a pause on Kindiki’s swearing-in as deputy president, with a hearing scheduled for October 24. The court is set to examine the constitutional issues brought forth by Gachagua’s defence team, which contends that the impeachment process was fundamentally flawed and lacked sufficient evidence. Gachagua’s legal representatives are working to challenge the Senate’s ruling and restore his position in office.
The recent court ruling has introduced a level of uncertainty into the political arena, as Kindiki’s confirmation remains on hold pending the resolution of the legal matters at hand. This unforeseen legal action highlights the unpredictable dynamics of the impeachment process and the wider power conflicts within Kenya’s government.
Internal Power Struggles at the Heart of the Conflict
The divide between Ruto and Gachagua unveils more profound power dynamics at play within Kenya’s leadership landscape. Following their joint victory in the presidential race, the two leaders began to slowly diverge in their paths. In June, the political rivalry intensified as Gachagua publicly condemned Kenya’s intelligence services for failing to adequately inform the government regarding widespread protests against tax increases. Gachagua’s remarks, perceived as a clear challenge to Ruto’s authority, signified a pivotal moment in their relationship and laid the groundwork for his eventual impeachment.
The allegations resulting in Gachagua’s ousting encompassed claims of promoting ethnic discord, abusing his position, and breaching constitutional regulations. The Senate found him guilty on multiple other charges, leading to his ousting from office, despite his exoneration from allegations of corruption and money laundering.
What’s Next for Kenyan Politics?
With the High Court’s decision looming on October 24, Kenya finds itself entrenched in a political stalemate. The potential for Gachagua to stage a legal comeback, alongside the official assumption of office by Kindiki as the new deputy president, will significantly influence the political landscape of Kenya. The impeachment represents a notable change in the power dynamics of the government, as Ruto appears to be consolidating his authority over leadership.
Kindiki’s nomination, coming just a day after Gachagua’s impeachment, highlights Ruto’s strategic moves to maintain support in the Mount Kenya region, home to the Kikuyu people, the largest voting bloc in Kenya. The shifting political alliances and the ongoing impeachment saga set the stage for a crucial court decision that will significantly influence the trajectory of Kenya’s political landscape.
Mimi Mefo Info – Evelyn Ndi contributed to this report