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KENYA’S 24 HOURS OF CHAOS: Deputy President Impeached, Replaced, and Court Intervenes

KENYA experienced 24 hours of extraordinary political drama, which started on October 18, 2024, marking a historic shift in the nation’s leadership.

The sequence of events unfolded as follows:

In a landmark decision on October 18, the Kenyan Senate voted to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on five out of eleven charges, including gross violation of the constitution and inciting ethnic hatred. Gachagua, who was hospitalized during the vote, strongly denied these accusations, dismissing them as politically motivated.

Moving swiftly, President William Ruto nominated Interior Minister Professor Kithure Kindiki, a few hours later, as the new Deputy President. Kindiki, who had been a strong contender for the deputy president position during the 2022 election, received quick approval from parliament on Friday afternoon. As Interior Minister, Kindiki had overseen the police force and defended their actions during recent protests against proposed finance laws.

However, the political transition hit a sudden roadblock when the High Court intervened, issuing an order preventing Kindiki from assuming office until October 24. This date coincides with when the Presidency must respond to Gachagua’s application for an interdict. While the court’s intervention creates a temporary delay, legal observers suggest it may be largely procedural, as courts typically don’t interfere with parliamentary processes. The court’s main concern appears to be ensuring that proper procedures were followed in the impeachment process.

The dramatic changes reflect deeper political tensions. Gachagua, who helped secure crucial votes from central Kenya during Ruto’s 2022 victory, had recently spoken of being sidelined. Local media had reported growing rifts between him and President Ruto as political alliances shifted. Gachagua has now filed multiple legal challenges to contest the impeachment process.

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This marks the first time in Kenya’s history that a deputy president has been removed through impeachment, signalling a significant moment in the country’s political landscape.

By The African Mirror

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