Nairobi, Kenya | By Michael Wandati | Following the swearing-in of Kithure Kindiki as the new Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua has opened up, sharing a heartfelt message that reflects his gratitude for the support of his family and the simple pleasures of returning to his rural life.
In his statement, Gachagua expressed a deep sense of happiness about being back home, free from the duties and pressures associated with holding high office.
He acknowledged the invaluable support from his loved ones, who stood by him throughout his career, and embraced the chance to reconnect with his roots.
“Home Sweet Home! Thanking God for the gift of my family,” he wrote as shared a picture of his family including his wife Dorcas Gachagua and their two sons.
“The smell of fresh grass, the sounds of chirping birds—that’s what a happy family needs. I will remain forever grateful to God for giving me a loving and supportive family. We are happy to be home, where I was born and brought up!.”
Gachagua, who was impeached on October 17, said he looks forward to reconnecting with nature and the simplicity of rural life.
“I can’t wait for the morning to take my walk in Hombe Forest, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mt Kenya as I thank God for His kindness,” he added, painting a picture of a peaceful return to his roots.
Rigathi Gachagua’s remarks came shortly after Kithure Kindiki officially took office as the new Deputy President, following a period marked by legal disputes and political maneuvering.
Kindiki’s swearing-in ceremony, held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), was attended by President William Ruto and an array of political leaders and diplomatic representatives.
The transition to Kindiki’s leadership was solidified on Thursday, when Justices Eric Ogola, Anthony Mrima, and Dr. Freda Mugambi ruled that any prolonged vacancy in the Deputy President’s office would disrupt constitutional mandates, which would go against public interest.
On October 18, a Kerugoya Court issued a conservatory order temporarily blocking Kithure Kindiki’s swearing-in as Deputy President. This order came soon after President William Ruto nominated Kindiki, who was serving as Interior Cabinet Secretary, to step in following Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment on October 17.
However, the judicial obstacle was later cleared, allowing Kindiki to be sworn in and assume the responsibilities of Deputy President.
“The applications for conservatory orders are hereby disallowed. The conservatory orders issued on October 18, 2024, in Kerugoya High Court are hereby discharged,” the bench ruled.
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The judicial bench overseeing the case clarified that extending the conservatory orders would leave the Deputy President’s position vacant, as the orders did not entail reinstating Rigathi Gachagua.
Led by Justice Eric Ogola, the judges emphasized that under Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, the duties of the Deputy President cannot be reassigned to the President, the Speaker of the National Assembly, or any other official. This constitutional framework rendered any prolonged vacancy in the role unsustainable, prompting the decision to allow Kithure Kindiki’s swearing-in.
“We are convinced that the current constitutional framework does not envision any scenario in which the office of the Deputy President would remain vacant except during the brief period required to fill a vacancy,” the bench ruled.
