Kindiki sworn in as Kenya's deputy president after judicial panel clears path

NAIROBI, Kenya

Kithure Kindiki was officially sworn in as Kenya’s deputy president on Friday at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi.

The 52-year-old politician took the oath of office in a ceremony attended by President William Ruto, Chief Justice Martha Koome, and other dignitaries.

His inauguration came after Kenya’s high court lifted a High Court order temporarily blocking it. The order was issued following over 30 legal challenges filed by Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached in October for alleged constitutional violations, and his supporters seeking to prevent his replacement.

The judicial panel lifted the order on Thursday, allowing Kindiki, a former law professor, to succeed Gachagua. The judges underscored the importance of avoiding a vacancy in the deputy president's role to ensure continuity in governance.

Before his appointment, Kindiki served as Kenya’s minister for Interior and National Administration. His new role comes amid heightened political tensions, with Gachagua still challenging his impeachment and questioning the process behind his removal.