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Residents of Kakamega County have welcomed the approval by Parliament of Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, as the third Deputy President (DP) under the 2010 constitution
Kindiki was cleared by the National Assembly on Thursday to replace his impeached predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua.
James Khamasi, a resident of Kakamega, told The Standard that Kindiki has what it takes to be a good DP stating that he has never displayed tribal politics.
“Kindiki is a statesman. As residents of Kakamega, we wish well and welcome him to serve the nation,” said Khamasi.
“What we are warning Kindiki is not to engage in tribal politics. Let him visit all parts of the country and serve all as one because we all pay taxes and contribute to development,” said another resident.
Timothy Masakhwe another resident said Kindiki has shown good leadership qualities, arguing that he has a national appeal.
“He is not a bully and dismissive as Gachagua was. He embraces everyone and we do hope he will not change when he ascends to power,” said Masakhwe.
However, they have warned Kindiki of impeachment if he fails to live up to their expectations and his boss, President William Ruto, in terms of service delivery.
“We do not want a scenario where we have a deputy president who is undermining his boss making it difficult for the government to deliver to Kenyans and if he falls short of target then he should also expect impeachment,”
“We are also appealing to President Ruto to accord his deputy a good working environment and support to serve Kenyans because we have a lot of pressing issues of public interest like Social Health Authority, university funding model, Adani JKIA takeover, and struggling economy these are issues the two leaders should sit down and agree to solve to restore hope and confidence among Kenyans.”
On Thursday, the Senate upheld the impeachment of Gachagua at the national assembly and cleared the removal of embattled former DP Gachagua from office, over allegations of inciting ethnic divisions, insubordination, ignoring and going against cabinet determinations, utterances that go against expectations of the high office of deputy president.
Gachagua faced specific charges of violation of the independence of judges by attacking a judicial officer from a public baraza, acting in ways that reveal a breach of his oath of office, committing offenses under the NCIC Act, and undermining the National Intelligence Service.
Kindiki’s appointment has run into legal obstacles in the courts, leading to a delay in his swearing-in.
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