NAIROBI, Kenya — On Thursday, a high court in Kenya made a pivotal ruling that paves the way for the appointment of a new deputy president, despite an ongoing court challenge regarding the impeachment of the previous deputy president.

The High Court in Nairobi, composed of three judges, overturned an earlier court’s directive that had sought to delay the swearing-in of Kithure Kindiki, asserting that such a suspension would create an undesirable political vacuum.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua faced impeachment and was subsequently removed from his position after over two-thirds of legislators voted against him on October 17. The charges against him included corruption, inciting ethnic tensions, and supporting anti-government protests. Following Gachagua’s ousting, President William Ruto swiftly nominated Kindiki, who currently serves as the interior minister, to step into the deputy presidency the very next day.

The impeachment process exposed significant rifts within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as well as growing tensions between President Ruto and Gachagua, both affiliated with the UDA. Gachagua had allegedly shown insubordination when he publicly resisted government policies concerning forced evictions during a period of severe flooding that resulted in numerous casualties.

Gachagua is actively contesting his impeachment in the Nairobi High Court, where he argues that the allegations against him lack credibility and the proceedings were biased.

During the hearings in the Senate on October 17, Gachagua was taken to the hospital due to chest pains. His legal team requested a delay in the hearings for a few days, but their plea was turned down by the Senate when prosecution lawyers contended that Gachagua had already presented his defense.

Later that same day, the Senate proceeded to vote on the impeachment, prompting Gachagua’s allies to condemn the process as hurried and unjust. Gachagua has suggested that the impeachment was instigated by President Ruto.

Ruto, who has positioned himself as a representative of Kenya’s marginalized population, has recently come under fire for his tax policies aimed at repaying foreign debts. Public backlash has compelled him to reevaluate his Cabinet selections and reconsider certain policy proposals.