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| Kithure Kindiki |
Preparations are in high gear as Kithure Kindiki stands poised to assume the Office of Deputy President following the recent impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua. The committee overseeing Kindiki’s swearing-in includes officials from all arms of government. On Thursday, October 31, the High Court lifted a previous order that temporarily halted Kindiki’s swearing-in, paving the way for the newly formed committee to begin the assumption of office process. Justices Anthony Mrima, Eric Ogola, and Freda Mugambi stated the need for the continuity of the Office of the Deputy President, noting that leaving it vacant would disrupt the government’s operations.
“This court notes that the office of the DP cannot remain vacant and therefore the court will be on the side of the Constitution which stipulates that there must be continuity,” the judges said. The court ruled that the blocking orders issued on October 18 in Kerugoya were now vacated, allowing Kindiki’s swearing-in to proceed. Although the judges stated that Gachagua and other petitioners retain the right to appeal the court’s decision. How is government preparing for Kindiki’s swearing-in Following the court’s ruling, the government has set into motion the necessary steps to transition Kindiki into office.
In a Kenya Gazette notice issued on Thursday, October 31, the government formally announced the establishment of the Assumption of the Office of Deputy President Committee. This committee, led by Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy K. Wanjau, will oversee Kindiki’s swearing-in and ensure that it meets constitutional requirements. The committee includes high-profile government officials, such as Attorney-General Dorcas Oduor, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya, and Principal Secretary of Defence Patrick Mariru. Other members are drawn from key sectors, including security, finance, devolution, and foreign affairs. The Committee will also have joint secretaries Patrick Z.K. Mwangi and Kipchumba Karori to coordinate the logistics.
by Didacus Malowa