NAIROBI, Kenya Nov 1 — Professor Kithure Kindiki has officially been sworn in as Kenya’s new Deputy President following the lifting of court orders that had temporarily blocked his inauguration.
The legal challenge had been initiated by his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached by parliament.
Kindiki took the oath of office on Friday before the Chief Registrar at a ceremony attended by President William Ruto, diplomats, and over 100,000 spectators at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi. In honor of the event, the day was declared a public holiday.
Gachagua was removed from office in October by the Senate on charges of gross constitutional violations and inciting ethnic tensions—allegations he vehemently denied as politically motivated. President Ruto swiftly nominated Kindiki, then serving as Interior Cabinet Secretary, as Gachagua’s replacement. However, Gachagua and his supporters filed over 30 legal challenges aimed at halting the impeachment and preventing Kindiki’s appointment.
On Thursday, the High Court lifted the stay order, citing constitutional provisions that mandate the Deputy President position must not remain vacant. Parliament had already confirmed Kindiki’s nomination on October 18. Following the court’s decision, Ruto reassigned Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to lead the Interior Ministry.
The impeachment of Gachagua marks a significant moment in Kenya’s political landscape, extending a period of political unrest that began with mass protests against controversial tax hikes in June. The nationwide protests turned deadly, prompting President Ruto to incorporate opposition figures into his cabinet in July, forming what he termed a “unity government” to reduce public dissent.
The reshuffling sidelined Gachagua, who had been a key ally and running mate to Ruto during the election campaign. His appeal to the populous Mount Kenya region was instrumental in securing votes. However, tensions grew between him and Ruto, culminating in his impeachment. Gachagua was accused of defying government policy on forced evictions during heavy rainfall that led to flooding and casualties.
Kindiki, 52, brings extensive political and academic experience to the role. A former law professor, he previously represented Mount Kenya as a senator before being appointed Interior Minister when Ruto assumed office in September 2022. He had also been a top contender for the running mate position in the 2022 elections.