A Kenyan high court has temporarily suspended the Senate’s decision to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, following a petition that raised “monumental constitutional issues.”
On Friday, Kenya’s parliament unanimously supported President William Ruto’s nominee to replace Gachagua, who was removed in a historic impeachment. The nominee, Kithure Kindiki, a 52-year-old academic turned political heavyweight, was considered a front-runner by political analysts after the Senate’s vote to oust Gachagua late Thursday.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula announced Ruto’s choice of Kindiki on Friday morning. A few hours later, parliamentarians voted 236 in favor, with no abstentions or opposing votes. “The vote is overwhelmingly ‘yes’ and so the nomination is hereby declared passed by the house,” Wetangula stated.
Later that day, Gachagua approached the court to halt the implementation of his impeachment, which commenced while he was in the hospital....Read Full Article [Click Here>]
Presiding Judge Chacha Mwita ruled to temporarily pause the impeachment process pending a hearing. The court also suspended the appointment of a new deputy president, which had seen Ruto nominate Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki.
Judge Mwita emphasized the constitutional importance of the case, saying, “I am satisfied that the petition raises fundamental constitutional issues concerning the rule of law and human rights.”
The case is scheduled for review on October 24, when a bench appointed by the Chief Justice will address the matter.
