By Enyichukwu Enemanna
A High Court in Kenya on Thursday vacated orders barring the swearing-in of the country’s newly appointed Deputy President, Kithure Kindiki.
“The office of the deputy president should not remain vacant,” Judge Anthony Mrima ruled, after the filing of over 30 court cases by Rigathi Gachagua against his removal as the Deputy President.
Gachagua had been impeached by the National Assembly over alleged gross misconduct.
Earlier this month the Senate voted to uphold five out of 11 charges against Gachagua.
Among other things, allegations against him include, gross violation of the constitution and stirring ethnic hatred, accusations that he has denied, saying they are politically motivated.
After Gachagua’s impeachment, President William Ruto immediately picked his Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki as the new Deputy President.
The court placed an order, barring the swearing-in of Kindiki.
Gachagua had fell out with President Ruto with whom he ran and won the presidency in 2022.
Ruto had accused him of backing the June/July anti-government protest sparked by an attempt to increase tax amidst high cost of living.
At least 50 persons lost their lives in the East African country following the protest that forced Ruto to drop the finance bill despite its passage in the parliament.
