NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has welcomed its newly appointed deputy president, who has officially taken the oath of office in a ceremony held in the capital, Nairobi. This event comes just two weeks after the prior deputy president was removed from his position following a significant impeachment vote in parliament that centered around serious allegations, including corruption and inciting ethnic tensions.

Kindiki Kithure assumed his role during a vibrant ceremony attended by various government officials and diplomats from the West. His swearing-in was confirmed by the courts just a day prior, after a previous suspension was lifted, even though a legal case contesting the impeachment of his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, is still ongoing.

Gachagua is currently appealing his impeachment at the High Court in Nairobi, where he contends that the accusations against him lack evidence and that the impeachment process was not conducted fairly. On October 17, he was ousted after over two-thirds of lawmakers voted in favor of the move, citing charges of corruption, inciting ethnic discord, and supporting anti-government protests. Following this, President William Ruto swiftly nominated Kindiki for the deputy position the next day.

The impeachment incident has drawn attention to the existing rifts within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and has highlighted tensions between President Ruto and Gachagua, both members of the UDA. Gachagua faced allegations of insubordination for challenging government policies, specifically around forced evictions during a period of heavy rainfall that resulted in severe flooding and loss of life.

Kindiki, who previously served as interior minister, assumes his role amid growing concerns regarding arbitrary arrests and forced disappearances in Kenya, which have been a source of unease for both human rights organizations and foreign diplomats. The country is currently grappling with economic challenges, including a surge in the cost of living and newly imposed taxes.

Earlier this year, widespread anti-government protests erupted across the nation in response to a finance bill aimed at raising taxes. These protests escalated, culminating in a dramatic incident on June 25 when crowds stormed and set fire to parliament, leading to the tragic deaths of several demonstrators outside the parliamentary gates.

Though President Ruto took office promising to advocate for the nation’s vulnerable communities, he has faced mounting backlash due to his tax policies aimed at settling debts owed to foreign creditors. This public discontent has compelled him to restructure his Cabinet and reconsider certain tax proposals.