This archive report was first published on 22 May 2020.
On May 22, 2020, a heated debate in the Senate led to the ousting of Deputy Speaker Kithure Kindiki. The move was supported by 54 out of 67 senators, who accused him of party disloyalty and disrespect to the party leader.
Despite his efforts to defend himself, Kindiki was unable to sway the majority of senators. He insisted that he had always been loyal to President Kenyatta and the Jubilee Party, and had done his best to push government business in the Senate.
Minority leader James Orengo, however, made it clear that the tussle was not about Kindiki, but between President Kenyatta and his deputy, William Ruto. Orengo argued that the country had become dysfunctional due to the war between the President's men and those of his deputy, and that the Nasa coalition had decided to side with Uhuru to save the republic.
Kindiki's removal is seen as a significant blow to Deputy President Ruto and his allies, who had been pushing for his ousting. The move is also seen as a reaffirmation of President Kenyatta's power over his deputy.
