What's happened
Kenya's High Court has ruled against extending a conservatory order that blocked Kithure Kindiki's swearing-in as Deputy President, following Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment. The court emphasized the constitutional necessity of filling the Deputy President role promptly to avoid a constitutional crisis.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to All Africa, the High Court's ruling disallowed the conservatory orders that had previously blocked Kindiki's swearing-in, emphasizing that a prolonged vacancy in the Deputy President's office would violate constitutional provisions. The court stated, 'We are convinced and find that the current constitutional framework does not envision any scenario in which the office of the DP would remain vacant.' Meanwhile, Gachagua's legal team, as reported by All Africa, argues that the impeachment process lacked adequate public participation and was rushed, raising questions about its legitimacy. This ongoing legal battle highlights the tensions within Kenya's political landscape, as both sides prepare for further court proceedings.
How we got here
The ruling follows President William Ruto's nomination of Kithure Kindiki to replace Gachagua, who was impeached amid allegations of bias and procedural irregularities during the impeachment process. The court's decision aims to uphold constitutional provisions regarding the Deputy President's role.
More on these topics
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William Kipchirchir Samoei Arap Ruto CGH is a Kenyan politician who is serving as the fifth and current president of Kenya since 13 September 2022. Prior to becoming president, he served as the first elected deputy president of Kenya from 2013 to 2022.
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Abraham Kithure Kindiki is a Kenyan politician and lawyer who is the Cabinet Secretary of Interior and Administration of National Government and Deputy President-designate following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua in 2024.
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Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua, also known as "Riggy G", is a Kenyan politician who previously served as the second deputy president of Kenya, under the new constitution drafted 2010, from 2022 until his impeachment from office in 2024 and Member of Parliament