The planned swearing-in ceremony of nominated Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has reportedly been called off hardly hours before the much-anticipated event.[…]CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE▶
The event was reportedly scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 19 from 9 am at the Uhuru Gardens but was called off following a notice issued by the High Court on Friday, October 18 that necessitated the suspension of the event.
According to sources who spoke to NTV, the planned swearing-in ceremony has since been postponed to next week. The publication further reported that the government would be moving to challenge the high court’s order stopping Gachagua from being replaced.
On Friday, Senior Government Advisor Moses Kuria disclosed that the swearing-in ceremony would be held at the Uhuru Gardens with no requirement for those seeking to attend the exercise.
“The swearing-in will take place tomorrow at Uhuru Gardens from 9 am. No cards are required. Gates will be closed once the swearing-in arena is full. We can not afford a Constitutional crisis. We cannot be another Sudan with 2 Presidents,” the former Public Service Cabinet Secretary claimed.
“For the sake of our nation and our families, we will swear in Kithure Kindiki as president in waiting. Courts can deposit their ruling in the pigeonholes. Karibuni Uhuru Gardens 9 am,” he added.
The postponement comes hours after the High Court in Nairobi temporarily suspended the former Interior cabinet secretary’s swearing-in until the case filed by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s legal team was heard and determined.
Justice Chacha Mwita observed that the petition raised critical constitutional issues touching not only at the heart of a functioning constitution but also its fundamental tenets of the rule of law and human rights.
The High Court judge further added that the suit also raised substantial questions of law and public interest and therefore fit to be heard by a bench of an uneven number of judges appointed by Chief Justice Martha Koome.
While granting the orders, Justice Chacha Mwita directed the petitioners to immediately serve the applications to the respondents with the judge granting the respondents almost three days to file their rebuttal.
“A conservatory order is hereby issued staying the implementation of the resolution by the Senate upholding the impeachment charges against the petitioner, the Deputy President of Kenya, including the appointment of his replacement, until October 24, 2024, when the matter will be mentioned before the bench to be appointed by the Chief Justice,” read part of the court notice.
The petitioners in their suit, accused the Senate of failing to grant the witness, Rigathi Gachagua, the opportunity to present his submissions on the matter. Gachagua’s legal team also argued that the approval of the former DP’s replacement required more than just a mere vote by Parliamentarians…CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES>>>
