Kenya’s President William Ruto has nominated Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki as his new deputy.
This is coming hours after the Senate voted to impeach Rigathi Gachagua, who previously held the position.
Gachagua, the previous occupier was impeached on five out of 11 charges, including gross violation of the constitution and incitement of ethnic hatred. He has denied the allegations, labeling them as politically motivated.
However, in a statement to the National Assembly by Ruto, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said, “I have received a message from the president regarding the nomination of Professor Kithure Kindiki to fill the vacancy which has occurred in the office.”
Kithure Kindiki, the nominee is a close ally of Ruto, and was a prominent contender for the vice presidency in the 2022 elections.
He was appointed interior minister shortly after Ruto took office in September of that year.
His responsibilities include oversight of the police, which has faced criticism from rights groups for alleged excessive use of force during protests earlier this year.
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