The Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders have expressed their joy and satisfaction after the High Court today lifted an order blocking the swearing-in of Kithure Kindiki as the new Deputy President of Kenya.
Speaking to People Daily Digital on Thursday, October 31, 2024, Alphonse Kamwara, National Vice Chairman of the Supreme Council of Elders, and Josphat Murangiri, Secretary General of Njuri Ncheke, lauded the three-judge bench for the decision and called on Kenyans to embrace the court’s ruling to pave the way for a peaceful transition.
“Today is a great day for Kenyans because Kindiki is one of the few leaders who are humble, calm, and hardworking, devoted to delivering to their docket. As elders, we know the country has gained a true leader who will bring a lot of peace and steer tangible development in this country,” Murangiri said.
The elders further called on the Deputy President nominee to work together with President William Ruto and assist him in initiating and accomplishing development projects that have stalled across the country.
They reminded him that he is no longer representing the Meru community or the Mount Kenya region but is now a national figure representing the interests of the entire nation.
“Yes, we are happy that he is our son from this community, and we thank God for that. But again, we remind him not to forget that he now represents the country, Kenya, and he should serve all people equally without tribalism,” Kamwara added.
The officials, representing thousands of elders from Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties, at the same time called on the impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to respect the court’s decision and support the incoming successor.
“It is our time now, and our neighbours from the west have been in power for a long time. We have willingly supported them to clinch power; now it is their time to give back to us because we all come from the same ‘house.’ We ask the former Deputy President to respect the court verdict and support the government,” the Njuri Ncheke secretary-general added.
Gachagua was removed from office two weeks ago after Parliament overwhelmingly approved an ouster motion, after which President Ruto later nominated Interior CS to replace Gachagua.
On Thursday, October 31, 2024, the High Court bench, comprising Justices Antony Mrima, Eric Ogola, and Fridah Mugambi, lifted the conservatory orders that had halted the appointment and swearing-in of Kindiki as the new DP.
The panel ruled that an extended vacancy in the office of the Deputy President was untenable, citing the need for continuity in the office of the second in command in the country.
Kindiki, a 52-year-old former law professor, now makes history by becoming the first leader from Mt. Kenya East to ascend to this high office after also serving as the first cabinet minister appointed from the Tharaka community.
