Thousands of Kenyans on Friday gathered to witness the ceremonial swearing-in of Kithure Kindiki as the new deputy president of the Republic of Kenya, following the parliament’s decision to impeach the outgoing deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua. This event was held just hours after the High Court of Kenya at Milimani lifted the conservatory orders that sought to prevent the swearing-in of a new deputy president.

After the Senate impeached former deputy president Gachagua by finding him guilty of five counts constituting a gross violation of the constitution, the president, under Article 149 of the Constitution of Kenya, nominated Professor Kindiki to hold office as the new deputy president. The lower house voted to support this nomination. However, a petition was filed challenging the decision of the Senate to impeach Gachagua and block the assumption of office by Kindiki. Following this, the High Court issued conservatory orders in favor of the petitioners until a pending case challenging the impeachment of Gachagua was decided upon.

On Thursday, the court ruled to lift these orders, stating that the office of the deputy president ought not to remain vacant. As he made his speech after taking the oath of allegiance and the oath of due execution of the office of the deputy president, Kindiki thanked the president for nominating him and vowed to support him in his endeavors to transform Kenya.

Concerns are being raised as to the competence of Kindiki , as his appointment was not approved by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. Professor Kindiki was the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration before assuming office as the deputy president.