Kenya's new deputy president, Kindiki Kithure, was sworn in after Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment over corruption and ethnic incitement. The ceremony, attended by government officials and diplomats, follows ongoing legal challenges to Gachagua’s removal. Kindiki's appointment comes amid concerns about human rights abuses and economic hardships, including rising taxes and public protests against government policies.

Kenya has officially welcomed its new deputy president, Kindiki Kithure, who was sworn into office on Friday, just two weeks after his predecessor was overwhelmingly ousted through an impeachment motion in parliament. This impeachment was rooted in serious allegations, including corruption and inciting ethnic divisions.

The swearing-in ceremony took place in the capital city of Nairobi, marked by a vibrant event attended by government officials and diplomats from Western nations, among other distinguished guests. The event proceeded following a court decision on Thursday that lifted earlier orders suspending his swearing-in, even as a legal challenge regarding the impeachment of the former deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua, remains ongoing.

Gachagua has appealed the impeachment in the High Court in Nairobi, contending that the charges against him lack merit and that the proceedings were biased. He was removed from office on October 17 by a vote exceeding two-thirds of legislators, facing allegations of corruption, inciting ethnic discord, and supporting anti-government demonstrations. President William Ruto nominated Kindiki for the deputy presidency the day following Gachagua's impeachment.

The impeachment of Gachagua has underscored existing divisions within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and has highlighted tensions between President Ruto and Gachagua, both members of UDA. Gachagua faced accusations of insubordination, particularly for opposing government policies regarding forced evictions during severe flooding that resulted in fatalities.

During the swearing-in ceremony, Kindiki referred to the occasion as a celebration of “the constitution and our democracy,” pledging to remain loyal and faithful to the president. President Ruto, in his remarks, urged Kindiki to “serve the people of Kenya,” emphasizing that public servants are in office not for personal gain but to uphold the interests of the Kenyan populace while adhering to the constitution and the rule of law.

Kindiki, who previously served as the interior minister, assumes the deputy presidency amid growing concerns raised by Western diplomats and human rights organizations regarding arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances in Kenya. The nation is grappling with economic challenges, characterized by a rising cost of living and newly introduced tax increases.

In June, Kenya experienced widespread anti-government protests in response to a finance bill proposing tax hikes, which culminated in the storming and burning of parliament on June 25, resulting in the tragic deaths of several protesters outside the parliamentary gates.

President Ruto, who took office with a pledge to advocate for the poorest citizens of Kenya, has encountered significant backlash regarding his strategies to increase taxes to meet the obligations of foreign creditors. This public dissent has prompted him to reorganize his Cabinet and reconsider certain proposals.