Irony of a mountain that smiles, frowns all at the same time

Lawyers follow proceedings as Justices Fredah Mugambi, Eric Ogola and Anthony Mrima deliver a ruling where they vacated orders prohibiting the swearing in of Prof Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President, at Milimani High Court in Nairobi, on October 31, 2024. [David Gichuru,Standard]

The court’s declaration Thursday that Deputy President-designate Kithure Kindiki can be sworn into office has elicited mixed reactions from Kenyans, as a celebratory mood swept across his home region, Mt Kenya East.

However, in the political leeward side of Mt Kenya East, there was a sombre atmosphere, as impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua suffered yet another setback after the High Court lifted the orders barring his impeachment.

Justice Anthony Mrima while delivering the ruling of the three-judge-bench, stated that “the person who assumes office after the impeachment of the Deputy President shall, unless lawfully removed from office, hold that position until further court orders or until the current term of the President ends, whichever comes first.”