DP designate Prof. Kithure Kindiki and impeached DP Hon. Rigathi Gachagua// Photo Courtesy
As United Democratic Alliance (UDA) announces plan to replace impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, a clear picture is communicated concerning High Court judgement.
This announcement has been confirmed by UDA’s Secretary General, Hassan Omar. Hassan said that the party’s National Executive Council will replace Rigathi Gachagua with Prof. Kithure Kindiki.
Apparently, this readiness to replace Gachagua shows that the party is confident that the court will rule in their favour – upholding the Senate’s resolution in impeaching Rigathi Gachagua as Deputy President.
Gachagua was impeached on 17th October 2024 after substantiating 5 of the 11 charges he was accused of.
However, his story took a different twist as the High Court gave conservatory orders barring his impeachment.
President William Ruto appointed Prof. Kithure Kindiki as the DP and was approved by the National Assembly. His swearing in was stopped temporarily awaiting court judgement.
The case is currently at the High Court, with speculations that the court might uphold the Senate’s resolution and impeach Gachagua.
While giving his submissions, Gachagua’s lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru told the court that Kindiki is not fit to assume the office of the DP should the case be thrown away.
“The name that was submitted to parliament is not capable of replacing the Deputy President of Kenya,” Ndegwa Njiru said.
He went further arguing that currently there are no commissioners of the IEBC to ascertain whether Kindiki is qualified or not, to hold the controversial office.
“In the event where the current president is incapable of executing the functions of his office, the purported name, if sworn in, will be the one to take over. Will he have met the necessary prerequisite qualifications?” He questioned.
