President William Ruto has nominated Kenya’s next deputy president following the impeachment of former DP Rigathi Gachagua.
Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula on Friday, October 18, conveyed to the House that President Ruto has nominated Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki as the next DP.
The nomination aligns with Article 149 of the Constitution, which requires the President to nominate a candidate to fill a vacant deputy president position within 14 days.
“According to the provision of Standing Order 52 (1), I wish to report to the house that today morning, I have received a message from the President Regarding the nomination of Prof. Kithure Kindiki, to fill the vacancy which has occurred in the Office of the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, following the impeachment of the previous office holder,” said Wetang’ula.
“As you are aware, article 149 (1) of the Constitution provides as follows; ‘within 14 days after a vacancy in the Office of the DP arises, the President shall nominate a person to fill the vacancy, and the National Assembly shall vote on the nomination within 60 days after receiving it.”
The announcement of Prof. Kindiki’s nomination as the next DP came after Speaker Wetang’ula had conveyed a communication on the decision of the Senate on the proposed removal from office of former DP Gachagua.
Gachagua impeached
Wetang’ula noted that his Senate counterpart Speaker Amason Kingi on Thursday night declared the position vacant following Gachagua’s impeachment.
This came after senators upheld the five of the eleven impeachment charges against the former deputy president.
“Honourable Members, you will recall that on Tuesday, 8th October 2024, 282 Members, being more than two thirds of the Members of the National Assembly, voted in support of the Special Motion for the proposed removal from office, by impeachment, of H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, EGH, the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya on eleven grounds,” Wetang’ula added.
“The upholding, by the Senate, of five impeachment charges out of those set out in the Special Motion therefore concludes the consideration of the process as provided in Article 145 of the Constitution.”
Also Read: DP Rigathi Gachagua Impeached by Senators
According to the Constitution, the DP nominee must be approved by the National Assembly and then sworn in before the Chief Justice or another judge, if the Chief Justice is unavailable.
Last month, Members of Parliament from the Mt. Kenya region endorsed Kindiki as their preferred liaison to Ruto, citing his ability to advocate for the region’s interests within the national government.
MPs had also recommended Kindiki as Ruto’s running mate ahead of the 2022 General Election.
The selection committee favored the former Tharaka Nithi Senator for his loyalty, experience, and strong public record.
Kindiki congratulated after Ruto nominates him as new DP
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah is among politicians who have congratulated Kindiki for his nomination as the next DP.
Ichung’wah urged Kindiki to work tirelessly with dedication and purpose, striving to ensure progress, unity, and prosperity for all.
“Congratulations, my brother Kithure Kindiki on your appointment as Deputy President. Serve diligently, selflessly, and with zeal to bring the country together under one flag and move the nation forward. ,” said Ichung’wah.
He added, “Let the spirit of patriotism, inclusivity, and hard work guide you in this important assignment as we build a brighter future for our beloved country.”
Ealier, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru had in a statement hinted that Kindiki had been chosen as Gachagua’s replacement.
Waiguru made the hint through an announcement while thanking those that supported her for the position.
“My brother Professor Kindiki, my sincere congratulations. To you history has placed an honor and responsibility accorded to only a few. May God guide you and HE William Ruto as you lead this great country to achieve its tremendous potential. To those that supported me for this position, I thank you,” said Waiguru.
“We must now dedicate our efforts to building a better Kenya under the leadership of President William Ruto and Kithure Kindiki.”
The National Assembly is currently in a special sitting, where Kindiki’s nomination has been tabled for approval.
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