Janice R. Andrews
Attorney Ndegwa Njiru, representing impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has firmly rejected the possibility of Kithure Kindiki assuming the Deputy President role, despite Parliament’s endorsement of President William Ruto’s nomination. According to Njiru, existing legal barriers prevent any immediate swearing-in ceremony.
At the center of the dispute is a standing conservatory order from the Kerugoya High Court. Njiru maintains this order remains in effect, contradicting senior counsel Tom Ojienda’s assertion that previous orders protecting Gachagua expired on October 24. While Ojienda has petitioned for the removal of these restrictions to facilitate Kindiki’s installation, Njiru stands firm on the order’s continued validity.
Taking to social media, Njiru challenged Ojienda’s position, stating, “There is no possibility of Mr. Kindiki being sworn in,” and invited Ojienda to proceed with the ceremony if he believes otherwise. The ongoing legal restrictions effectively block the nominee’s assumption of office pending further legal resolution.
The situation has grown more complex with lawyer Danstan Omari suggesting that Gachagua’s impeachment proceedings could stretch across multiple years. Additional complications include a three-judge panel’s refusal to step down from the case and the withdrawal of Ruto’s legal team from Gachagua’s defense.
Meanwhile, Gachagua faces increasing public pressure, particularly in Kisumu where residents seek answers about his previous poisoning claims. As these legal proceedings continue, Kindiki’s transition to the Deputy Presidency remains in limbo, caught between court orders and ongoing judicial deliberations.
