During the swearing-in ceremony for Professor Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), tension and chaos arose as segments of the crowd openly expressed dissent by chanting “Riggy G,” a popular nickname for the ousted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The chants indicated strong support for Gachagua among attendees, highlighting a division among those resistant to Kindiki assuming the role.
This division surfaced shortly after Gachagua’s impeachment and the swift nomination of Kindiki, adding fuel to the tension on the day of the ceremony.
The chaos surrounding Kindiki’s swearing-in has roots in a series of legal challenges and a court order that halted Gachagua’s impeachment shortly before the ceremony.
Some supporters of Gachagua argue that the impeachment proceedings were hastily conducted, potentially undermining his right to appeal and maintain office until a final judgment.
Legal experts and supporters voiced concerns over the legitimacy of proceeding with Kindiki’s inauguration, emphasizing that Gachagua’s position remained unsettled legally.
Despite the resistance and court complications, the government had pushed forward with the ceremony plans, which included mobilizing attendees and setting up significant arrangements at KICC.
The tension escalated as supporters of both figures clashed verbally, underlining the ongoing legal and political challenges for Kenya’s executive leadership.
The situation has left Kindiki’s status uncertain as further legal reviews are anticipated, and it underscored the challenges of managing high-profile transitions in a politically charged environment.
