Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has been nominated for the position of Deputy President.
Kindiki’s nomination comes after the Senate upheld Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula stated on Friday, October 18, 2024, during the special sitting that he received a message from President William Ruto regarding the nomination of the next deputy president for approval.
Wetang’ula stated that Ruto presented the name of the Interior Cabinet Secretary to the house for consideration as the next DP.
“I have a message from the president on the nomination of Professor Kithure Kindiki to fill the vacancy in the office of the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya,” Wetang’ula said.
Additionally, the Speaker said that he also received a message from the Senate regarding its decision on the proposed impeachment of Gachagua.
“I have received a message from the Senate regarding its decision on the proposed removal from office by the impeachment of His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua as Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya,” Wetang’ula said.
Having only served for 766 days since taking over office on September 13, 2022, Gachagua has made history as the first second in command to be impeached since the 2010 Constitution came into effect.
Charges against Gachagua
Gachagua, who was facing 11 charges, including gross misconduct and abuse of office, was ousted after the Senators voted on the grounds 1, 4, 5, 6, and 9 against him.
In the Senate vote, Gachagua was found guilty on the first charge of gross violation of Articles 10, 27, 73, 75, and 129, which involved his alleged failure to uphold the national values and principles of governance. A total of 53 senators voted in favour of this ground, with 13 opposing the charge.
The second charge, accusing Gachagua of undermining the president and the cabinet in the execution of the national government’s mandate, failed to pass, with 28 senators voting in favour and 39 against. Similarly, the third charge, relating to undermining devolution, was rejected, with 19 votes in support and 45 in opposition.
The fourth charge, concerning Gachagua’s reported violation of judicial independence, was supported by 51 senators, with 16 voting against.
Gachagua was also found guilty of violating his oath of office, with 49 senators supporting this charge, while 16 opposed it, and 2 abstained. The sixth charge, which cited serious concerns about Gachagua committing crimes under the National Cohesion and Integration Act, passed with 48 senators in favour.
The ninth charge, accusing Gachagua of undermining the National Security Intelligence Service, garnered 46 votes in favour, 20 against, and one abstention. This charge added significant weight to his removal, as it highlighted his reported misconduct that was deemed incompatible with the office of the deputy president.
