President William Ruto has nominated Prof. Kithure Kindiki to replace the impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The announcement came on Friday morning.
Speaker Moses Wetangula addressed the National Assembly. “Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 42(1), I wish to report to the House that I have received a message from the President,” Wetangula said.
He continued, “The nomination is to fill the vacancy in the Office of the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya following the impeachment of the previous office holder.”
Prof. Kindiki is currently the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration. He must receive approval from the National Assembly before taking on the Deputy President role. The Assembly has 60 days to vote on the nomination.
“Prof. Kindiki has shown exceptional leadership in his current position,” President Ruto noted in a statement. “I have full confidence in his abilities to serve the nation.”
The Senate voted to impeach Deputy President Gachagua after a detailed two-day process. This included extensive evidence and hours of cross-examination.
Senator Jane Nyaga supported the impeachment, stating, “We acted in the best interest of our Constitution. This decision was necessary.”
Gachagua was removed after Senators backed five of the eleven grounds for impeachment. Key among these was a gross violation of the Constitution.
Senator Ndung’u remarked, “We could not overlook the serious nature of these allegations. Our decision reflects our commitment to upholding the rule of law.”
In response to his nomination, Prof. Kindiki expressed his gratitude. “I am honored to be considered for this vital role,” he said. “I am ready to serve the people of Kenya.”
As the National Assembly prepares for the vote, debates on the nomination are expected to be thorough. The political climate remains tense as members consider the implications of this significant transition.
