Kenya’s political landscape experienced a significant shift this weekend as Deputy President Designate Kithure Kindiki received President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto in Kwale, on Sunday 20th October morning. The occasion precedes the 61st Mashujaa Day, a national holiday that honors heroes of Kenya’s armed struggle for independence. While the coastal region gears up for celebrations, the political climate remains tense following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
President William Ruto, who flew to Mombasa on Saturday aboard the official presidential jet, Harambee One, landed in the city shortly after 1 p.m. His visit marks the prelude to Mashujaa Day festivities, which are set to be held in Kwale, a coastal county brimming with historical significance. Early Sunday morning of October 20th, 2024, President Ruto and the First Lady made their way from Mombasa to Kwale via a presidential helicopter. Upon arrival, they were warmly received by Deputy President Designate Kithure Kindiki, who stood alongside host Governor Fatuma Achani of Kwale County.
However, beneath the pageantry lies the unresolved matter of the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua, which has thrown the country’s political leadership into a state of flux. As celebrations for national heroes loom, the fate of the country’s second-in-command hangs in the balance.
Legal Battle Over Gachagua’s Impeachment
Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment by the Senate on Thursday triggered a series of urgent legal challenges, leading to a dramatic showdown in Kenya’s courts. A three-judge bench, assembled by Chief Justice Martha Koome, is set to hear the case on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. The inter-parties hearing will take place at 11 a.m. in Court No. 18, Kerugoya High Court.
Justice Freda Mugambi, presiding over preliminary matters on Saturday, emphasized the importance of expediting the legal process, directing all parties involved to be served and to respond without delay. “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,” she stated.
The three-judge bench, comprising Justices Eric Ogola, Anthony Mrima and Dr. Mugambi, will have the unenviable task of navigating a politically charged situation, as the judiciary remains under the watchful gaze of the nation.
The legal proceedings are further complicated by conflicting court orders issued across the country. On Friday, Justice Chacha Mwita granted Gachagua a temporary reprieve by suspending the Senate’s resolution to impeach him. This decision was followed by a similar ruling in Kerugoya, where another judge referred the matter to Chief Justice Koome for further deliberation.
Despite these rulings, questions persist over whether the courts can reverse the actions that have already taken place. The National Assembly had moved forward with the nomination of Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President, and Speaker Moses Wetangula has already gazetted the outcome of this process, setting the stage for Kindiki’s swearing-in.
The orders sought to block the National Assembly from proceeding with Kindiki’s nomination. Yet, as legal opinions diverge, it is unclear whether these judicial interventions have come too late, given that the National Assembly had already concluded its session before the orders were issued.
Chief Justice Koome Faces Tough Decisions
Another point of contention lies in the number of legal challenges now before the judiciary. On Friday, two more suits were filed, requesting additional benches to be constituted. As of now, a bench is already in place to address the initial suit, but it remains to be seen whether Chief Justice Koome will constitute more benches to handle the growing number of legal challenges stemming from Gachagua’s impeachment.
With political and legal tension mounting, the upcoming inter-parties hearing on Tuesday promises to be a pivotal moment for Kenya’s leadership. As the nation waits with bated breath, many are wondering if the current turbulence will lead to a resolution or further instability.
A Time for Reflection and National Resolve
While the country prepares to celebrate the contributions of national heroes on Mashujaa Day, the political uncertainty casts a shadow over the festivities. The legal proceedings surrounding Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment serve as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between law and politics in Kenya. As the fate of the Office of the Deputy President hangs in the balance, the nation remains vigilant, awaiting a resolution that will determine the future course of leadership. The road ahead may be uncertain, but with collective will and adherence to the rule of law, the country will find its path. Hopefully.