At least 108 staff members in the Deputy President’s office have been placed on compulsory leave, effective immediately. According to a circular seen by *The Standard*, Principal Administrative Secretary Patrick Mwangi informed the Chief of Staff and advisors of the decision, following the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
“Due to the ongoing constitutional process affecting the Deputy President, all officers in Job Groups T and U are required to proceed on compulsory leave immediately,” Mwangi wrote. Additionally, officers on supernumerary contracts have been directed to take immediate leave, with all affected staff expected to comply by noon on Saturday, October 19.
This move follows the Senate’s decision to uphold Gachagua’s impeachment on Thursday, affirming an earlier vote by the National Assembly. Gachagua was impeached on charges including gross misconduct, constitutional violations, and undermining the president, with senators voting in favor on five out of 11 grounds.
President William Ruto nominated Kithure Kindiki as Gachagua’s replacement on Friday, and the National Assembly promptly approved the nomination. Speaker Moses Wetang’ula declared Kindiki the deputy president-elect. However, the process has been halted by a legal challenge after High Court Justice Chacha Mwita temporarily suspended the Senate’s decision. Parliament is barred from appointing a replacement until October 24, when a bench appointed by Chief Justice Martha Koome will review the case.
