Kenya currently has no deputy president, says Havi

Former LSK President Nelson Havi. [File, Standard]

Following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua and a court order blocking the swearing-in of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, many are questioning who holds the position of Kenya's Deputy President.

Kindiki was on Friday last week nominated by President William Ruto to fill the role, after Gachagua's impeachment a day before.

However, the High Court issued a conservatory order halting his assumption of office.

According to former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi, Kenya currently has no Deputy President.

"In the court of public opinion, Kenya appears to have two Deputy Presidents: Rigathi Gachagua, who remains under a court order staying his impeachment, and Kithure Kindiki, who is barred by a court order from taking office," said Havi on KTN News on Monday. 

"Legally, however, Gachagua is no longer Deputy President following the Senate's vote, and Kindiki has not assumed the role, as it only becomes official upon taking the oath of office. Therefore, the reality is that Kenya currently has no Deputy President," he explained.

Lawyers however seem to be divided on the absence of a deputy president, with all eyes now on court as the impeachment cases against Gachagua get underway.