Amidst a turbulent political landscape in Kenya, President William Ruto recently appointed one of his cabinet ministers, Kithuri Kindiki, as his new deputy president, replacing Rigathi Gachagua, who was ousted in a historic impeachment. The appointment marks a major shift in Kenyan politics and has generated significant public interest.
Kithuri Kindiki, a 52-year-old academic turned political figure, was considered a frontrunner for the crucial post after the Senate voted to impeach Gachagua. The impeachment captured national attention, with Kenya widely seen as a stable democracy in a troubled region.
The rapid pace of events continued on Friday with President Ruto announcing Kindiki’s appointment, prompting parliamentarians to vote on his confirmation. Kindiki, who has been in office as interior minister for more than two years, has been criticized for his alleged handling of police brutality during the sometimes deadly protests that erupted in Kenya this year.
The impeachment of Gachagua, Ruto’s running mate in the 2022 elections, is historic, making him the first deputy president to be impeached since the process was introduced in the revised 2010 constitution. His absence from the crucial Senate vote, having been rushed to hospital, created a chaotic and uncertain atmosphere in the assembly.
Kenyan newspapers covered the event extensively, highlighting Gachagua’s downfall and calling it the “night of the long knives” that sealed his fate. Tensions between Gachagua and Ruto, once political partners, have reached fever pitch, with allegations of support for anti-government protests and a deterioration in their relationship.
Despite his impeachment, Gachagua still has the option to challenge the decision in court, although his previous attempts to block the process all failed before the Senate voted. His impeachment for “serious violations” of the constitution, including accusations of threatening judges and divisive ethnic politics, marks a new political era in Kenya.
In this tumultuous political environment, the appointment of Kithuri Kindiki as the new vice president brings a new element to watch in the country. His experience as interior minister will be tested, while the consequences of Gachagua’s impeachment will continue to reverberate across the Kenyan political landscape. Kenya is at a critical juncture in its political history, and only time will tell what the repercussions and consequences will be for the Kenyan people.