Kindiki swearing-in as DP pushed to later date as court sets date for hearing Gachagua impeachment

Interior Cabinet Secretary, Professor Kithure Kindiki's swearing-in as the new Deputy President has been postponed to next week following a series of court orders halting his appointment and subsequent assumption of office.

The consolidated orders will be mentioned before a three-judge bench on Thursday next week, during which, according to media reports, the government is expected to challenge the orders in a bid to allow the professor of law’s ascension to Deputy President.

The first order, issued by Justice Chacha Mwita, stayed the implementation of the Senate's resolution that upheld the impeachment charges against DP Rigathi Gachagua, including the appointment of his replacement, until October 24, when the matter will be mentioned before a bench to be appointed by Chief Justice Martha Koome for appropriate orders and action.

Another order was issued by the High Court sitting in Kirinyaga, granting conservatory orders against the implementation of the Senate's resolution and preventing any person appointed by the President and approved by the National Assembly from assuming the office of Deputy President.

Similarly, Justice Richard Mururu Mwongo ordered that the file be placed before the Chief Justice for the appointment of a bench to hear the matter on October 24.

A third order, issued by Justice Bahati Mwamuye in Nairobi, noted that the orders sought on behalf of DP Gachagua "may have been overtaken by events" by the date and time the application was filed and placed before his court.

However, a fresh order issued on Saturday by Lady Justice Dr Githiru Freda Mugambi moved the mention date to October 22 at 11 am, citing the urgency of the matter.

"It is hereby ordered that, in light of the urgency of the matter and the weighty issues raised therein, we direct that the application be served and responded to forthwith, for hearing inter partes on Tuesday, October 22 at 11am in open court No.18," the judge ordered.

Earlier, some government officials had confirmed that Professor Kindiki was set to be sworn in today at the Uhuru Gardens and National Monument, starting at 10 am.

However, that did not happen, with a spot check at the venue confirming no possibility of such an event today, despite earlier confirmations by, among others, Senior Advisor in the State House Council of Economic Advisors, Moses Kuria.

"The swearing-in will take place tomorrow at Uhuru Gardens from 9 am. No cards are required. Gates will be closed once the swearing-in arena is full. We cannot afford a constitutional crisis. We cannot be another Sudan with two Presidents. For the sake of our nation and our families, we will swear in Kithure Kindiki as President in waiting. Courts can deposit their ruling in the pigeonholes. Karibuni Uhuru Gardens 9 am," he said in a post on his X account.