Kenya has a new vice president. Abraham Kithure Kindiki, former Minister of the Interior, was sworn in this Friday, November 1 in Nairobi. His predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, was impeached by the Senate two weeks ago over allegations of corruption and incitement to ethnic division.
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With our correspondent in Nairobi, Albane Thirouard
It was with a serious face, alongside his wife, that Kithure Kindiki was sworn in as vice-president. Aged 52, this former law professor, senator from 2013 to 2022, had been Minister of the Interior for two years. During his speech, he said: grateful » towards the president William Ruto for his nomination.
Kithure Kindiki hails from the highly influential Mt. Kenya. Aged 52, father of three children, this lawyer knows the head of state well: He defended him before the International Criminal Court in 2011. William Ruto was then accused of crimes against humanity for his alleged role in the post-election violence of 2007. The charges were eventually dropped.
Kithure Kindiki promised President Ruto to provide all necessary assistance to “ lead the country to the next level “. Several challenges await him: he will notably have to address the country’s public finances, which are in difficulty. The government wishes to submit to Parliament the reintroduction of certain very controversial taxes. A project canceled in June, after a vast popular protest movement and demonstrations repressed by the police.
Ruto wants to break his isolation
Kithure Kindiki was one of the favorites to be his running mate for the presidency in 2022, but it was ultimately Rigathi Gachagua who was chosen.
Also readKenya: Vice-President Rigathi Gachagua dismissed after historic procedure
The dismissal of Gachagua is the culmination of several months of cold weather between the former vice-president and head of state, mentioned this morning by President Ruto: “ My dear Professor Kindiki, I need your voice, your intellect to help me and help members of the government to highlight the actions we are taking. I almost became a lone voice within the executive (…). I trust that you will be able to give me what I have lacked over the last two years. »
The deposed vice-president, Rigathi Gachagua, is contesting his replacement in court: the case is still ongoing.
Also readKenya: for ousted vice-president Rigathi Gachagua, President Ruto is a “vicious” man