Kenya’s President William Ruto on Friday, October 18th, nominated Interior Cabinet Secretary Abraham Kithure Kindiki as the next Deputy President, following the Senate’s vote to impeach Rigathi Gachagua.
- This marks the first time in Kenya’s history under the 2010 constitution that a sitting Deputy President has been ousted from office through impeachment.
- A seasoned lawyer and politician, Kindiki has held various positions in Kenya’s political landscape, including serving as Senate Majority Leader in the past.
- The Senate upheld the National Assembly’s decision to impeach Gachagua on charges of inciting ethnic hatred and undermining the judiciary.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi announced the outcome: “The Senate has resolved to remove from office by impeachment, His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua. He ceases to hold office.”
The Senate’s decision came after two-thirds of its members voted in favor of upholding five of the 11 charges brought against Gachagua. The charges centered on allegations of making inflammatory statements aimed at stoking ethnic tensions and disrespecting judicial authority.
Gachagua’s impeachment trial began earlier in the week, with the former Deputy President reported ill shortly before National Assembly lawyers were scheduled to cross-examine him during the Senate trial. His legal team has since moved to court to challenge the impeachment, arguing that the process was unconstitutional and politically motivated.
Abraham Kithure Kindiki, who currently serves as the Cabinet Secretary of Interior and Administration of National Government, is seasoned lawyer and politician who has held various positions in Kenya’s political landscape, including serving as Senate Majority Leader in the past.
Thursday’s impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua is the first time a Deputy President has been removed from office through constitutional means.
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