Kenya’s new deputy president sworn in as his predecessor challenges his impeachment in court

Kenya’s new Deputy President, Kindiki Kithure, was officially sworn into office on Friday, two weeks after his predecessor was overwhelmingly voted out in an impeachment motion in Parliament over allegations of corruption and inciting ethnic division.

The swearing-in ceremony took place in Nairobi, the capital, at a vibrant event attended by government officials, Western envoys, and other distinguished guests.

The court approved Kithure’s swearing-in on Thursday after lifting a prior suspension, despite an ongoing court case challenging the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Gachagua has petitioned the High Court in Nairobi, claiming the charges were unsubstantiated and that the impeachment proceedings were conducted unfairly.

Gachagua was impeached and removed from office on October 17, following a vote by more than two-thirds of the legislators who cited charges of corruption, inciting ethnic divisions, and support for anti-government protests. President William Ruto nominated Kindiki Kithure for the Deputy President position the following day.