A three-judge bench has set March 19, 2026, as the date for a ruling in a petition seeking to remove Deputy President Kithure Kindiki from office. The case was filed in October 2024 by businessman Aura and concerns the process of appointing Kindiki following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The petition claims that the process did not follow the Constitution.
The case was filed in October 2024 by a businessman identified as Aura, who also seeks the empanelment of a five-judge bench to hear disputes arising from the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The petitioner noted that the issues raised regarding Gachagua's dismissal are complex, weighty, and unprecedented, requiring broader judicial interpretation.
In submissions before the High Court, lawyer Harrison Kinyanjui, representing Aura, urged the bench to certify the matter for hearing by five judges. He maintained that the amended petition raises substantial constitutional questions regarding succession, impeachment procedures, and legal requirements for assuming high public office.
Kinyanjui told the court that Aura had earlier written to Chief Justice Martha Koome requesting the expansion of the bench, following a Court of Appeal decision that dissolved a previously constituted panel handling aspects of the dispute. The petition stems from the Senate's impeachment of Gachagua in October 2024. After his removal, President William Ruto nominated then Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to replace him.
Kindiki was approved by the National Assembly and sworn in as Deputy President. However, Aura argues that Kindiki had not formally resigned from his position as Interior Cabinet Secretary when he took the oath, violating constitutional provisions on public office and separation of powers. The petitioner noted that events leading up to Kindiki’s ascension were conducted secretly and violated principles of transparency in Article 10 of the Constitution.