Kithure Kindiki's Ascension: A New Era in Kenyan Politics

Kenya is set to swear in Kithure Kindiki as the new deputy president after legal challenges to his inauguration were resolved. Following tension and political turbulence, Kindiki steps into the role amid a new political realignment after his predecessor was impeached by the Senate.

Kenya will welcome Kithure Kindiki as its new deputy president on Friday after the High Court cleared obstacles to his inauguration. This decision follows weeks of legal disputes initiated by his predecessor, who was impeached by parliament last month for alleged constitutional violations and inciting ethnic animosity.

Kithure Kindiki's path to power was halted by legal motions from Rigathi Gachagua and his allies, who filed over 30 cases aiming to prevent his displacement. These proceedings extended Kenya's political instability starting with June's nationwide protests against tax hikes.

President William Ruto's appointment of opposition members to his cabinet in July, designed to form a unity government, sidelined Gachagua. This move also marked Kindiki as a significant figure aligned with Ruto, securing his place as deputy president following parliamentary approval on October 18 and ending contentious legal and political battles.

(With inputs from agencies.)