DP Kithure Kindiki has this morning woken up as a worried and sad man. This follows the emergence of reports that soon, he might be forced to vacate the office of Deputy President after 32 Kenyans filed a petition challenging his stay in office.
The petitioners have asked three High Court judges Erick Ogolla, Anthony Mrima, and Fridah Mugambi to recuse themselves from the case over alleged bias.
Meanwhile, another group of five co-petitioners is demanding the reinstatement of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, citing a still-valid court order from Kerugoya that initially blocked his impeachment and the appointment of his replacement.
LIVE!! CS Kindiki hosted by Governor Mutula Jr in Makueni for operationalization of Kambu sub-county – YouTube
Lawyer Stanley Matiba argues that the Court of Appeal’s ruling, which overturned the Kerugoya order, was made by an improperly constituted bench rendering all subsequent decisions, including Prof Kindiki’s swearing-in, null and void.
Despite Gachagua’s legal team stating he only seeks compensation and not reinstatement, petitioners insist the matter transcends personal preference, warning that allowing Kindiki to remain in office violates court orders and threatens constitutional order.
The unfolding legal drama could plunge the country into a constitutional crisis over who rightfully holds the position of Deputy President.
By Nation