Prof. Kithure Kindiki faces yet another delay in his anticipated swearing-in as Deputy President. A three-judge bench hearing the case on the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua has postponed proceedings until next week, extending the wait.
Justices Eric Ogola, Anthony Mrima, and Frida Mugambi, who form the High Court bench overseeing the case, announced that they will not lift the conservatory orders halting Kindiki’s swearing-in until October 29. Justice Ogola, delivering the ruling, emphasized that the conservatory orders would remain in place, with the court set to decide on lifting them after hearing additional applications on that date.
“Given the pending applications related to the conservatory orders, we hereby direct as follows: the applications shall serve as responses to the orders. These applications are scheduled for hearing on October 29,” Justice Ogola stated.
This decision comes after a High Court in Kerugoya initially barred Kindiki from taking office, citing the significant legal and constitutional questions involved. Justice Richard Maruru stressed that the issues raised were of substantial national importance, warranting careful judicial consideration.
The swearing-in halt follows the Senate’s approval of Kindiki’s nomination, but with these court-ordered conservatory measures in place, his assumption of office remains on hold.
By Kenyans