Nairobi, Kenya | By Michael Wandati | Prof. Kithure Kindiki has been formally sworn in as Kenya’s third Deputy President, following the impeachment of his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, after a fallout with President William Ruto.
The oath-taking ceremony took place at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, just days after a three-judge bench lifted the initial orders preventing Kindiki from assuming office.
Gachagua’s impeachment was historic, as he became the first Deputy President removed through this process under Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, with both the National Assembly and the Senate confirming the decision.
The ceremony, beginning at 10:42 a.m. with the Judiciary mace’s placement, saw Chief Registrar Winfrida Mokaya administer the oath, with Chief Justice Martha Koome presiding. President Ruto officially welcomed Kindiki to his new role, alongside prominent figures such as National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, other Cabinet Secretaries, and members of the diplomatic corps.
The High Court’s ruling, delivered by Justices Eric Ogola, Anthony Mrima, and Dr. Freda Mugambi, emphasized that leaving the Deputy President’s office vacant would violate constitutional requirements and undermine public interest.
The Kerugoya Court’s conservatory order, issued on October 18 after Kindiki’s nomination, was lifted, allowing the swearing-in to proceed. The bench reasoned that an extended vacancy in the Deputy President’s office would conflict with Kenya’s constitutional provisions.
“The applications for conservatory orders are hereby disallowed. The conservatory orders issued on October 18, 2024, in Kerugoya High Court are hereby discharged,” the Judges ruled. They highlighted that the Deputy President’s functions cannot be undertaken by the President, Speaker of the National Assembly, or any other official, emphasizing the need for a prompt appointment.
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Prof. Kithure Kindiki, newly sworn in as Kenya’s Deputy President, brings a rich academic and legal background to the role. A graduate with a master’s degree and a PhD from the University of Pretoria, Kindiki has published over 30 academic works and is recognized for his scholarly contributions.
Over a decade ago, he served as legal counsel for President William Ruto in his International Criminal Court (ICC) case concerning the 2007 post-election violence.
Prior to his new appointment, Kindiki was Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary, a role that is now temporarily filled by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
