A three-judge bench has scheduled March 19, 2026, to deliver its ruling in a petition seeking the removal of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki from office.
The petition, filed in October 2024 by a businessman identified as Aura, also calls for the formation of a five-judge bench to determine legal questions arising from the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The petitioner contends that the issues surrounding Gachagua’s ouster are complex and unprecedented, warranting broader judicial scrutiny.
March 19 Set for Verdict in Case Challenging Kindiki’s Position. Photo: Courtesy.
During proceedings at the High Court, counsel Harrison Kinyanjui urged the judges to certify the matter for consideration by an expanded bench.
He argued that the amended petition presents substantial constitutional questions touching on succession, impeachment procedures, and the legal thresholds for assuming high public office.
Kinyanjui informed the court that the petitioner had previously written to Chief Justice Martha Koome seeking the expansion of the bench, following a Court of Appeal decision that disbanded an earlier panel handling aspects of the matter.
The case originates from the Senate’s impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in October 2024.
After his removal through a parliamentary process, President William Ruto nominated then Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as his replacement.
Kindiki was subsequently vetted and approved by the National Assembly before being sworn in as Deputy President, although the petitioner now contends that the process leading to his assumption of office was unconstitutional.
In the amended petition, Aura argues that Kithure Kindiki had not formally resigned as Interior Cabinet Secretary at the time he was sworn in as Deputy President.
He contends that failure to properly vacate the Cabinet post before assuming the new office contravenes constitutional requirements on public office and separation of powers.
