Government Declares Public Holiday for Kindiki's Swearing-in as Deputy President

Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has officially declared Friday, November 1, 2024, a public holiday to commemorate the swearing-in of Deputy President nominee Kithure Kindiki.

The declaration, made through an official gazette notice, has been issued following the establishment of a swearing-in committee by Chief of Staff Felix Koskei. The path to Kindiki's inauguration was today cleared after a significant judicial decision. A three-judge bench, comprising Justices Eric Ogolla, Anthony Mrima, and Fridah Mugambi, lifted the conservatory orders that had previously blocked the ceremony. In their ruling, the judges emphasized that maintaining these orders would significantly impede governmental operations.

Justice Mrima specifically highlighted that the constitutional framework does not anticipate any prolonged vacancy in the Deputy President's office. The announcement marks a decisive transition in Kenya's political leadership, as impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua formally concludes his tenure. The legal proceedings saw former Attorney General Githu Muigai, representing the National Assembly, successfully advocate for the removal of conservatory orders to facilitate Kindiki's assumption of office. To oversee the inauguration, Chief of Staff Felix Koskei has appointed a comprehensive twenty-member committee led by Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau.

The committee includes prominent officials such as Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya, and various Principal Secretaries, including Julius Bitok, Patrick Mariru, Edward Kiang'ani, Idris Dokota, Teresinh Mbaika, and Untmi Bashir. The timing of this public holiday coincides with Diwali celebrations, which had not previously received official recognition. President William Ruto has expressed his intention to introduce legislation that would establish Diwali as an official holiday in Kenya.

Kindiki's elevation to the position of Deputy President follows the recent impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua by both parliamentary chambers. Gachagua faced allegations of constitutional violations and incitement of ethnic tensions, charges he has consistently denied while pursuing legal challenges against his removal. Kindiki received parliamentary approval following his nomination by President Ruto. Kindiki brings experience from his tenure as Interior Cabinet Secretary, where he focused on enhancing national security and governance reforms.