Ruto nominates new deputy after Gachagua's impeachment in Kenya
- Kenyan President William Ruto nominated Kithuri Kindiki as his new deputy following the historic impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua.
- Gachagua, the first deputy president to be impeached in Kenya, faced five charges, including gross violation of the constitution.
- The fast-paced political developments highlight the growing tensions within the ruling party and Gachagua's diminishing influence.
Kenya witnessed a significant political shift when President William Ruto appointed Kithuri Kindiki as his new deputy on October 18, 2024, following the unprecedented impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua. This marked the first instance of a deputy president facing such a fate since the introduction of Kenya’s revised constitution in 2010. Gachagua's impeachment, which occurred on October 17, resulted from findings by the Senate, which found him guilty of five out of eleven charges, including gross violations of the constitution like threatening judges and engaging in ethnically divisive politics. Gachagua had been hospitalized prior to the impeachment proceedings, causing chaos during the hearings as he was unable to defend himself. The revelations about Gachagua's misconduct and his subsequent impeachment underscore a deepening rift between him and Ruto. Once allies in the 2022 elections, the two experienced a significant falling out, with Gachagua reportedly feeling sidelined and accused of inciting protests against the government. The political turmoil reflects broader tensions within Kenya's ruling class. The appointment of Kindiki, who had served as interior minister and was under scrutiny due to alleged police brutality, indicates Ruto's effort to consolidate power and shift the political landscape in the wake of Gachagua's downfall. The future dynamics of Kenya's political environment will now heavily rely on how this new leadership unfolds amidst ongoing tensions.