Kithure Kindiki was sworn in as Kenya’s new Deputy President on November 1, 2024, after a court lifted restrictions on his inauguration.
This follows the impeachment of his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, who was removed by parliament last month over allegations of constitutional violations and inciting ethnic hatred, which he denies.
The High Court had previously delayed Kindiki’s inauguration due to over 30 legal challenges filed by Gachagua and his supporters.
However, judges ruled that the deputy president position should not remain vacant as mandated by the constitution.
The political turbulence in Kenya, East Africa’s largest economy, has been ongoing since widespread protests against tax hikes began in June.
In response to the unrest, President William Ruto invited opposition figures into his cabinet to form a unity government, sidelining Gachagua, who had previously helped secure significant support from the Mount Kenya region during Ruto’s campaign.
After the swearing-in ceremony, President Ruto urged Kindiki to serve all Kenyans equally, regardless of their voting preferences.
Kindiki, a prominent figure during the 2022 election, previously held the position of interior minister following Ruto’s election.
