Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki was sworn in as Deputy President on Friday, November 1 to replace Rigathi Gachagua who was impeached in October.
In a swift and coordinated series of actions on the evening of October 31, the government finalized preparations for Kindiki’s inauguration, issuing a stream of gazette notices and sending late-night invitations.
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The swearing-in ceremony followed a ruling on Thursday, October 31, when a three-judge High Court bench led by Justice Eric Ogola lifted conservatory orders that had previously barred Kindiki from assuming office after Gachagua’s impeachment.
The historic oath ceremony was witnessed by President William Ruto and Chief Justice Martha Koome.
What He Said
While delivering his speech, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki stated,
“Words fail me to explain how grateful I am today. I’m grateful to President Ruto for the honour he has given me to serve under him. I have been his political student for 20 years and nothing in the political space has helped me pick up lessons more than the years that I have walked around him.”
“I promise you (President Ruto) before this congregation and God that I will not let you down for the privilege you have given me.”
On his part, President Ruto described Kindiki as a patriot whose dedication to cohesion, national unity and inclusivity is beyond reproach.
Life After Impeachment- Gachagua and Pastor Dorcas Release Statements
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his wife Pastor Dorcas Gachagua issued statements after the swearing-in of Professor Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President.
In a statement on Friday November 1, Gachagua appreciated his family, thanking God for what he called the gift of “a family”.
The former second-in-command also shared a photo of his family at their home and expressed his eagerness to enjoy time together.
He went on to describe his pleasure with the smell of fresh grass and the sounds of birds singing their melodious songs at their home, stating that he is happy to be home, a place where he was born and raised to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mt Kenya.
Dorcas Rigathi, on her part, noted that it is easy to focus on the challenges and circumstances around and lose sight of a believer’s core principle.
She added that her family would offer a prayer of thanksgiving, affirming their understanding that God remains sovereign, whether He saves them from trials or not.
The former Second Lady also quoted Bible verses from the books of Daniel and Job, drawing on their messages of faith and perseverance through trials.
Aoko Found After Days of Missing
Social media influencer Scophine Aoko Otieno, popularly known as Maverick Aoko has been found after ten days of search and concerns from her loved ones and Kenyans at large.
In a statement shared on her X account, Aoko’s aide confirmed the news stating that the popular tweep was found at the Kenya -Tanzania Border.
The aide also revealed that the family received a call from a hospital where she was taken by an unidentified person.
“She’s been found at the Kenyan Tanzania border. Her family was called from a hospital. She was taken there by an unidentified person who said they found her outside their Gate,” the aide said.
“Don’t know much at the moment, but the father is on his way there. Will keep you updated. Thank you for standing with her.”
Moi University on Reopening
It has been revealed that there is no plan to reopen Moi University until all salary-related dues, amounting to more than Ksh10 billion are paid.
A student leader at the University divulged that the institution’s Senate did not have any plans to reopen the university soon and has not determined an exact date for resumption.
It was also revealed that the decision resulted from the delayed disbursement of funds from the National Treasury, which the school has yet to receive.
At the same time, the Senate emphasized that Moi University will remain closed until the Return-to-Work Formula (RTWF) is signed by the relevant parties.
Also Big the Week
- The Supreme Court of Kenya overturned the Court of Appeal’s ruling that declared the Finance Act 2023 unconstitutional.
- President William Ruto was appointed as the new Vice Chair of the Common Market for East and Central Africa (COMESA) regional bloc at the 23rd COMESA Summit in Burundi.
- Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on Thursday October 31 was appointed the acting Interior Cabinet Secretary.
- Safaricom PLC responded to claims that the telecommunication giant shares its customers’ private information to authorities involved in abduction and arrests.
- President William Ruto addressed concerns about the Hindu New Year’s festival Diwali a national holiday.
- Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) approved a plan to sell all National Bank of Kenya (NBK’s) shares.
- The governments of Russia and Mauritius announced scholarship opportunities for Kenyans
- The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) announced vacancies for teachers in Junior Secondary Schools (JSS).
The week wasn’t without its tragedies:
- Popular content creator and actress Tabitha Gatwiri has passed away after falling ill two days ago.
- Former Kimilili Constituency MP Suleiman Kasuti Murunga died on Wednesday October 30 after spending 7 years outside Parliament.
- Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat revealed 97 women have been murdered in the last three months.
Photo of the Week
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