A section of residents in Wamunyoro, Mathira in Nyeri County, have expressed their disappointment and sadness over President William Ruto’s choice to pick former Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki as the new deputy president.
Addressing the press after Kindiki’s swearing-in ceremony held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Friday, November 1, 2024, the residents professed their discontent with Kindiki’s appointment noting that it was a stinging betrayal to Gachagua and Mathira residents.
The residents underscored that they particularly voted for Ruto because one of their own would deputise him.
“Hatuna furaha, huzuni tele kabisa. Ningetaka kuambia President William Ruto, tuliamka mapema sana tukakuchagua na tulikuchagua kwa sababu ya Rigathi Gachagua, yeye ndiye aliyefanya tukuchague wewe si mwengine, sasa ata ukituambia mambo ya Kithure Kindiki, kama alikua mzuri mbona hukumchagua huko mbele?” one Samuel Mwangi posed.
While accusing Ruto of betraying Gachagua and using him to climb the political ladder and win the 2022 election, the residents urged Gachagua to remain active in politics and contest for a seat in the future should his impeachment case get dropped.
“Tunasema mkubwa wetu aondolewe ile kesi ingine ili kama kuna wakati mwengine atapewa chance kusimama aendelee na kusimama kwa sababu hatuezi kukaaa kijiji kizima kama hatuna kiongozi,” another resident identified as Erustus Maina said.
Kindiki was sworn in as Kenya’s third deputy president under the 2010 constitution after Gachagua was impeached by both the Senate and National Assembly.
After he was impeached by parliament and later the Senate, Gachagua, who failed to appear for cross-examination at the Senate, moved to court to seek orders barring Kindiki from taking the oath of office.
A three-bench at the High Court comprised of Justices Eric Ogola, Anthony Mrima, and Fredah Mugambi overturned the orders paving way for Kindiki’s swearing-in ceremony.
The judges noted that extending the conservatory orders would leave the office unoccupied, as the orders did not reinstate Gachagua.
“The applications for conservatory orders are hereby disallowed. The conservatory orders on 18th of October 2024 in Kerugoya High Court are hereby discharged,” the bench rendered.
