Kenyan Court Rules Against Impeachment of Deputy President

The Nairobi High Court has intervened in the political upheaval surrounding Kenya's Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua.

On October 17th, 2024, the Senate voted to impeach Gachagua, citing charges such as inciting ethnic divisions and violating his oath of office. This decision was made despite Gachagua's absence from the trial due to health issues, as he was reportedly hospitalized with heart trouble.

However, the High Court has now suspended the impeachment process, halting the swearing-in of Kithure Kindiki, who had been nominated by President William Ruto as Gachagua's replacement. The court's decision delays any further action until it hears a case on the matter scheduled for October 24th, 2024.

Gachagua, who described the impeachment as a "political lynching," was elected alongside President Ruto just over two years ago.