This archive report was first published on 19 May 2020.
On May 19, 2020, Senate Majority Chief Whip Irungu Kangata gave a Notice of Motion to remove Deputy Speaker Kithure Kindiki from office, following reports that the Tharaka Nithi Senator had been marked for removal after snubbing a Senate Parliamentary Group meeting convened by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
According to Article 106 (2) of the Constitution, the office of Deputy Speaker becomes vacant under certain circumstances, including when a new House of Parliament first meets after an election, or when the office holder is removed by a resolution supported by the votes of at least two-thirds of its members.
Article 103 of the Constitution also provides for the removal of an officer holder through death, resignation, or deemed resignation from the party.
Senator Kangata stated that he would require at least 44 Senators to vote in support of Kindiki's removal, but did not divulge the grounds for the motion.
Other Jubilee Party members targeted in the purge against allies of Deputy President William Ruto include Senator Samson Cherarkey, Senator Mahamud Mohamed, and Senator John Kinyua.
