Kenyan President William Ruto has nominated Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki as the new Deputy President, just a day after the Senate voted to impeach former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
“I have received a message from the president regarding the nomination of Professor Kithure Kindiki to fill the vacancy in the office of Deputy President,” announced Speaker Moses Wetang’ula in parliament on Friday.
Gachagua, who denied all charges during his impeachment, had played a key role in securing Ruto’s 2022 election victory by delivering significant support from central Kenya. However, in recent months, Gachagua publicly expressed feeling sidelined, with local media widely reporting a falling-out between him and Ruto as political alliances shifted.
Kindiki, a close ally of Ruto, has served as Interior Minister during Ruto’s two years in office. He was previously the senator for Tharaka Nithi County and was considered a top contender for Ruto’s running mate in the 2022 election.
Parliament will vote on Kindiki’s appointment before he is officially sworn in as Deputy President.