Kenya’s Ruto Nominates Interior Minister Kindiki as New Deputy President After Gachagua’s Impeachment

Kenyan President William Ruto has nominated Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki as the new deputy president, following the Senate’s decision to impeach former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The announcement was made by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula in parliament on Friday.

On Thursday, Kenya’s Senate voted to remove Gachagua from office after he was impeached on five of the 11 charges brought against him, including gross violation of the constitution. The move, marking the first time a Kenyan deputy president has been impeached, comes amid accusations of disloyalty and controversial public statements made by Gachagua, who helped Ruto secure the presidency two years ago.

The impeachment, which received 54 votes out of 67 senators, surpassing the two-thirds majority required, has raised concerns about a potential political crisis. Gachagua, currently hospitalized with heart issues, was absent from the Senate session, leading his legal team to request a delay. The request was denied, and his lawyers left the proceedings in protest.

While Gachagua has denied all charges and filed petitions against his removal, a panel of judges has been appointed to review his case. Meanwhile, Kindiki, a loyal ally of Ruto, is expected to be confirmed by parliament before taking office as the new deputy president.