The Senate upheld Gachagua’s impeachment by the National Assembly in a historic vote taken late Thursday night.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi immediately declared the Deputy President’s office vacant in a gazette notice circulated on the same night.
To fill the vacancy, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula announced on Friday morning that President Ruto had submitted the name of Prof. Kindiki for approval to replace Gachagua.
The House is expected to hold a special sitting on Friday morning to consider Prof. Kindiki’s nomination.
Kindiki is likely to be approved by MPs as Ruto enjoys a majority in the House.
If Kindiki’s nomination is approved, he will be formally appointed and sworn in as Kenya’s Deputy President.
The 52-year-old is a seasoned lawyer and former senator who represented Tharaka Nithi County between 2013 and 2022. He was also part of a team of lawyers who represented Ruto at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, in the crimes against humanity case related to the 2007-2008 post-election violence. The charges against Ruto were later vacated due to insufficient evidence.
Kindiki was among the top candidates considered as President Ruto’s running mate for his presidential campaign. Ruto, however, settled on Gachagua despite a majority of MPs in Ruto’s party overwhelmingly supporting Kindiki. Instead, Kindiki was appointed to serve as the Interior Minister.
{{Gachagua Ousted}}
Gachagua, who is widely reported to have fallen out with President Ruto in recent months, was impeached after Senators upheld five of the 11 grounds tabled for his removal.
Fifty-four senators voted to impeach Gachagua on the first count of gross violation of the Constitution, while 13 voted against his ouster. The charges under this ground included accusations of dividing Kenyans along ethnic lines. The National Assembly cited several instances where he compared the government to a company, suggesting that certain regions held more shares than others.
Besides engaging in divisive politics, Gachagua faced a host of other accusations, including economic crimes, money laundering, insubordination, undermining the government and devolution, as well as bullying and intimidating state officers. However, the charges of economic crimes, money laundering, and bullying failed to gain sufficient support.
The Kenyan Senate required a two-thirds majority, which equates to at least 45 out of the 67 senators, to successfully impeach the Deputy President on any single charge.
Gachagua is the first Deputy President in Kenya’s history to be removed from office through an impeachment process. The impeachment bars him from ever holding public office.
The Senate proceeded with the impeachment trial despite Deputy President Gachagua falling ill and being hospitalized. He is expected to move to court to challenge the impeachment.
The Senate upheld five out of the 11 grounds in the historic vote taken on Thursday night.
Fifty-four senators voted to impeach Gachagua on the first count of gross violation of the Constitution, while 13 voted against his ouster. The charges under this ground included accusations of dividing Kenyans along ethnic lines. The National Assembly cited several instances where he compared the government to a company, suggesting that certain regions hold more shares than others.
Besides engaging in divisive politics, Gachagua faced a host of other accusations, including economic crimes, money laundering, insubordination, undermining the government and devolution, as well as bullying and intimidating state officers. However, the charges of economic crimes, money laundering, and bullying failed to gain sufficient support.
The Kenyan Senate required a two-thirds majority, which equates to at least 45 out of the 67 senators, to successfully impeach the Deputy President on any single charge.
“Pursuant to Article 145(7) and 151(b)(2) of the Constitution and Standing Order 78(8) of the Senate, the Senate has resolved to remove from office, by impeachment, His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua, the Deputy President of Kenya. Accordingly, His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua ceases to hold office,” Senate Speaker Amason Kingi declared.
Gachagua becomes the first Deputy President in Kenya’s history to be removed from office through an impeachment process. The impeachment bars him from ever holding public office.
The Senate proceeded with the impeachment trial despite Deputy President Gachagua falling ill and being hospitalized, according to his lawyers.
The legal team had requested an adjournment of the trial until at least Tuesday, October 22, 2024, but the Senate voted to continue with the proceedings. In protest, Gachagua’s lawyers walked out of the Senate.
The motion of impeachment was tabled by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse in the National Assembly on October 1, 2024.
Two hundred and eighty-one lawmakers voted in favour of the motion to remove Gachagua, while 44 opposed it, with only one member of the House abstaining. The motion required support from 233 MPs, representing two-thirds of the total 349 members, to pass through the House.
Speaking during a recent interview, UNMISS Malakal Upper Nile Sector Commander Brig Gen Nakul Rayamajhi emphasized how the collaborative efforts of various contingents, including Rwanabat-2, INBAT-1, and BAN-FMU, helped maintain peace and prevent the loss of lives.
“It’s a success story wherein the collaborative efforts of the entire force, entire sector—north, the Rwanabat-2, the previous contingent, INBAT-1, the previous contingent, and BAN-FMU—were able to control the situation and prevent loss of lives,” he said.
The Commander highlighted several key achievements, including a crucial operation in May, which saw RDF troops play a proactive role in controlling unrest. He attributed their success to the training and readiness of their forces, noting that their approach helped minimize casualties.
“We had just about eight losses, including those four there, the fifth one here outside the POC, and I think three in the town. About eight to ten losses, including injured,” he recounted, labeling it the “second success story.”
Additionally, the RDF has been instrumental in engaging local communities in areas like Nasir County, where a youth mobilization effort to raid cattle due to unemployment was peacefully halted. The Commander detailed how Rwanabat-2, along with local authorities, engaged with the community and the county commissioner to defuse the situation, preventing further violence. “That mobilization was halted, thereby saving lives,” he said.
UNMISS has also introduced integrated medical campaigns to address healthcare needs in remote areas. The Commander explained that RDF medical personnel collaborate with other contingents to attend to emergencies during patrols, offering vital treatment and medicines to affected populations.
He pointed to a recent operation in New Fangak, where RDF medics, alongside other personnel, treated over 270 women and children displaced by floods, providing much-needed malaria medicine.
“Quite a stock of medicines, including malaria tablets for approximately 250 persons, was presented to the county commissioner by Rwanabat and INBAT,” the Commander noted.
The success stories underscore the important role RDF troops play in UNMISS’s broader efforts to protect civilians and promote stability in South Sudan.
The Commander also emphasized that small, consistent steps taken by RDF forces, such as teaching unarmed combat to girls in conflict zones, have the potential to save lives and empower vulnerable communities.
The current conflict in South Sudan, though somewhat reduced in intensity, stems from deep-seated political, ethnic, and resource-related issues that have plagued the country since its independence in 2011.
South Sudan’s journey to statehood began with decades of civil war between Sudan and the southern regions, culminating in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, which led to a 2011 referendum for independence. However, internal conflicts soon emerged, primarily driven by political power struggles and ethnic tensions.
Today, thanks to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) through cooperation with Rwanda, the pilgrimage to Kibeho has been significantly improved with smooth tarmac roads.
The Belt and Road Initiative, launched by China in 2013, is designed to enhance global trade routes by investing in infrastructure. However, it’s more than just a financial strategy; it’s a visionary project to stimulate economic growth and connectivity across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
In Rwanda, the impact of this initiative is visible. One of the most notable projects is the road from Huye to Kibeho, a small town in southern Rwanda renowned for the Virgin Mary’s apparitions in the 1980s. This road, once treacherous and riddled with potholes, is now a smooth tarmac route thanks to Chinese investment.
In March 2019, Rwanda embarked on the construction of the Huye-Kibeho-Ndago-Munini and Ndago-Ngoma road, covering 66 kilometers. Completed in 2022 at a cost of over 70 billion Rwandan Francs, the project faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic but has since become a symbol of progress for the region.
Residents of Nyaruguru, particularly those in Kibeho and nearby areas, have experienced immediate benefits. Previously, the journey was grueling, especially during the rainy season when the roads became muddy and nearly impassable. Today, thanks to this new infrastructure, pilgrims can travel to Kibeho easily, and the road has sparked economic growth.
Taxi-moto operator Theogene Ndagijimana from Mata recalls the difficult conditions before the road’s construction. “It was tough to get a passenger going to Huye,” he shared. “In the rainy season, the road was slippery, and during the dry season, the dust made the journey unbearable.” Now, he says, “It’s easy. Someone can pray all day and be back in Huye by 7 p.m. without worry.”
The new road has also revitalized local businesses. Namukway Molly, a Ugandan restaurant owner in Kibeho, remarked, “After seeing the progress in Kibeho, we decided to open a restaurant here. We serve mostly Ugandan dishes, and now we have customers from as far as Uganda placing orders on their way to Kigali. The road has made everything easier.”
With the increased number of pilgrims, demand for services like accommodation and food has surged, creating new opportunities for local entrepreneurs. Farmers are also reaping the benefits, as lower transport costs enable them to easily get their produce to bigger towns.
The Bishop of Gikongoro Diocese, Celestin Hakizimana, emphasized the road’s role in boosting the number of visitors to Kibeho. “Before, many, especially the elderly and tourists, were reluctant to make the journey due to poor road conditions. Now, Kibeho is visited not only on major religious days but throughout the year,” he explained. He noted that on Assumption Day alone, over 85,000 people visited the shrine.
Remarkably, the road has also encouraged more foot pilgrimages. “We have pilgrims who walk all the way from Kigali,” Bishop Hakizimana added. “They stay overnight in Ruhango and continue the next day, confident in the safety and cleanliness of the road.”
Nyaruguru District Mayor, Dr. Emmanuel Murwanashyaka, described the transformative effect of the road. “Before this road, Kibeho received between 150,000 and 300,000 pilgrims annually. Now, we see over a million visitors each year. The road has also attracted investment in accommodations and businesses.”
{{China-Rwanda Partnership: More than Just Roads}}
China’s investment in Rwanda’s infrastructure extends beyond religious routes. Roads across the country are being improved, unlocking new opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment. In Nyaruguru District, the Huye-Kibeho road introduced tarmac infrastructure to many for the first time.
This collaboration between China and Rwanda is part of a broader partnership, which in 2024 marked 52 years of diplomatic relations. Over $300 million in infrastructure projects have been completed in Rwanda, with a focus on building capacity for future independent projects.
For many Rwandans, the Huye-Kibeho road is more than just a road; it is a bridge to a better future. It has improved daily life, enhanced safety, and opened doors to new economic opportunities.
As Rwanda continues its journey of development, the road to Kibeho stands as a testament to progress, cooperation, and hope. Thanks to this partnership, pilgrims can now journey to praise the Lord in safety, transforming what was once a test of endurance into a celebration of progress.
Dr. Joseph Karemera’s journey through life was intertwined with those he cared for, beginning in Umutoni’s family home in Kireka, Kampala, where he stayed while studying at Kololo Secondary School in the early 1980s. He developed a strong bond with her father and they shared a lot.
His warmth extended to many young people who lived in the home where Umutoni’s parents Rutwaza Leonidas and Didasiana Kiguzi treated every child as their own including Karemera.
“My parents instilled in us resilience and self-confidence, even in the face of adversity. When we were ridiculed for being called “Rwandese” during our time as refugees, Uncle Karemera empowered us by affirming our identity,” Umutoni said.
“There is nothing wrong with being Rwandese, he would say, dissolving any insecurities we harbored and replacing them with pride,” she recalled
Umutoni says that as a role model, Karemera ignited aspirations in many, including herself. His pursuit of medicine inspired her to dream of becoming a doctor. She passed all her science subjects but due to unforeseen circumstances arrived two weeks late at the school and science classes were full. Karemera personally encouraged her toward the arts section and she eventually pursed law at the university.
“His unwavering support taught me to excel in any path I chose. Later, when I hesitated during law school, he reminded me of our shared determination, famously saying, “Rwandese never quit!” His faith in us never wavered, and his mentorship stretched far beyond academics,” she said.
“Afande Karemera’s generosity knew no bounds. He opened his home to students and family alike, whether during our school holidays in Kenya (Lamu, Mombasa, Machakos, Nakuru, Nairobi Kenyatta Hospital). He accommodated us in his home in Uganda, or Rwanda. He shared what little he had with everyone, a testament to his selflessness and genuine care for those around him.”
His dedication to education was unwavering, as he continuously supported young people’s endeavors, even in times of personal difficulty. Umutoni remembers when she had a two-year-old (Amanda Akaliza), was pregnant with her second child (Paula Kami) and couldn’t afford tuition for a master’s degree.
He encouraged and facilitated her studies, proving that challenges should never hinder ambition. Pregnancy is not a disease he would say, “with hard-work and determination you will make it.”
“But perhaps what truly defined Karemera was his patriotism. Long before Rwanda’s liberation struggle reached its crescendo, he planted the seeds of love for our homeland in us,” she says.
He foresaw the importance of everyone’s participation in building a free Rwanda and never failed to remind each one of the need to fight for that vision. His early involvement in the formation of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) in 1987 showed his deep commitment to the cause.
His service as Head of Medical Services during the liberation struggle embodied his unyielding dedication to the wellbeing of others and it is an achievement that should be documented because it was a very critical role that was much need by everyone on the battlefield.
“I first new about plans for Liberation in his home and like he did to many young people, he shaped my decisions to join the liberation struggle. I later served with him in Government, we became ambassadors almost at the same time. all this long he was mentoring me.” says Umutoni.
Dr. Karemera was more than just a doctor, minister, or diplomat. He was a visionary leader a comrade whose actions were rooted in love for his country and for his people. Whether as Minister of Health, of education, promoting education in sciences and other courses, or as a diplomat, negotiating and advocating tirelessly for Rwanda’s benefit, he exemplified patriotism and integrity in every role he held.
“He was very loyal to the leadership of the country and this is something he instilled in all around him. Leadership structure, discipline and following guidance of the country were key virtues in his life.”
“In his passing, I reflect on the monumental role he played in shaping not just our nation but the lives of all who had the privilege to know him and be guided by him. We appreciate Karemera’s family for embracing all of us. To Mrs. Ann Karemera, we thank you for sharing him with us, and for your own role as a heroine alongside him. Besides every Hero there is a Heroine and vice versa.”
“You were very young when he left you to join the armed struggle. The sacrifices of the many women who were left with young children, pregnant or newly married and yet you supported all these families. You all deserve to be honored and remembered,” Umutoni emphasized.
“Uncle Karemera, your legacy will live on through the lives you touched, the wisdom you shared, and the love you gave so freely. You will forever remain in our hearts, you are seated with the Lord, watching over us as we and the generations to come continue the work you and your comrades began,” she concluded.
I dedicate this poem as a tribute to You my mentor, parent, dear friend, my guardian Angel; known to many as simply « Uncle Karemera »
.{{
{To my dear mentor and anchor, My treasured guardian
In the quiet shadows where memories reside,
I will always cherish your guide.
In wisdom, like an eagle you taught me to soar,
Each lesson a treasure, each word I adore.
With discipline amid laughter you remain a beacon of kindness and a source of inspiration and pride.
In your nurturing voice, I found strength, you are my mentor and a compass forever true.
In the depths of my heart, your light shines strong and laughter lingers on.
As stars shine above, I’ll carry your wisdom.
So here’s to my mentor, my friend: Time after time I will honor your name.
In my heart you will continue to bloom just the same.
Fare thee well to a true guardian Angel
We will carry your memory with us always.
Yours truly Ambassador Christine Umutoni Nyinawumwami
(One of the many that you mentored)}}}
In a statement, the organization representing the interests of mobile network operators worldwide apologized to participants and stated that the event would be rescheduled for a new date in 2025.
“We recognize the inconvenience this may cause to our participants. A new date in 2025 will be announced,” GSMA said.
“Together with the Rwandan Ministry of ICT & Innovation, we look forward to convening Africa’s most influential connectivity event soon,” the organization added.
GSMA did not disclose the reason for postponing the much-awaited conference.
The postponed event is part of the GSMA’s MWC series, which includes flagship events such as MWC Barcelona, MWC Shanghai, and MWC Las Vegas.
The event aims to showcase the region’s advancements in connectivity and technological innovation, particularly in the context of emerging trends like 5G, fintech, and artificial intelligence.
The 2024 edition was set to explore key growth areas such as mobile money and the evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Last year’s edition welcomed more than 3,400 attendees from over 1,400 companies and featured more than 230 speakers.
The program is designed not only to raise awareness and foster an inclusive work environment across all BK Group subsidiaries but also to provide financial literacy training to people with disabilities.
By combining these two components, the initiative aims to promote both inclusion and economic empowerment for individuals with disabilities.
The training began with BK staff and will soon be extended to all BK Group subsidiaries. Mami F. Said, Head of People and Human Resources Business Enablers & Control Functions, welcomed the participants, emphasizing the importance of creating an inclusive workplace culture.
Ingrid Karangwayire, Executive Secretary of BK Foundation, spoke about the significance of the program: “This initiative is about much more than meeting compliance obligations. It’s about ensuring that every individual, regardless of ability, feels supported and valued. By starting with BK staff and providing financial literacy training to people with disabilities, we are laying the foundation for a truly inclusive society.”
The 20-day training provides BK staff with a comprehensive understanding of disability inclusion, focusing on removing barriers to accessibility and effective communication.
NUDOR experts led interactive exercises that encouraged participants to reflect on personal experiences and explore how they can contribute to creating a more inclusive environment for their peers and customers at large.
The sessions also covered Rwanda’s legal framework on disability rights, ensuring that employees understand their responsibilities in fostering inclusion.
In addition to training staff, the program will empower people with disabilities by offering financial literacy education, equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed for financial independence. This component aligns with BK Foundation’s mission to uplift vulnerable communities and enhance financial inclusion for all.
BK Foundation will continue to roll out the program across all BK Group subsidiaries, ensuring that inclusion becomes a core principle throughout the organization.
A statement issued Wednesday evening by Bayo Onanuga, a senior presidential spokesman, on behalf of Tinubu, described as “devastating” the night inferno in Majiya, a town in the Taura local government area of Jigawa late Tuesday.
According to the statement, the Nigerian leader directed a delegation of senior officials to condole with the families of the deceased, assess the situation at the scene of the incident, and visit scores of injured people in the hospital. He also directed that emergency aid, including medical supplies, food, and shelter, be extended to the victims receiving treatment and others affected by the tanker fire.
While assuring the citizens of the government’s better commitment to the swift and comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols across the country, Tinubu further directed the road safety police to strengthen night travel measures, such as increased patrols, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and other highway safety mechanisms to prevent recurrences of the incident.
Earlier the police had confirmed at least 90 people killed and 50 others injured following the explosion. The victims were mostly people who had rushed to the scene to collect gasoline after the tanker lost control and overturned, a police spokesman earlier told Xinhua.
A mass burial for the deceased was held Wednesday morning, said Shi’isu Lawan Adam, the spokesman for the police in Jigawa.
They are part of 25 cows, which were reported stolen in Nyagatare, Gatsibo and Kayonza districts between July and September, this year.
About 63 people connected to the theft have been arrested in the same period.
The RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, said: “Suspects are in four categories; those who steal cows from farms including herdsmen, those who slaughter them, those who transport them and buyers. We have been able to break these chains due to the strong partnership and information sharing with the public.”
He added that increased operations have also led to the arrest of drug traffickers and smugglers.
“Due to these increased operations, drug traffickers and smugglers have resorted to spreading rumours of insecurity and sometimes these gangs attempting to assault people as a way of causing fear so that they do not share information on their cross-border criminal activities.
Some of them have been arrested and the search for other members of the ring is still underway,” ACP Rutikanga said.
The medal pinning ceremony for 180 officers of Rwanda Formed Police Unit Three (RWAFPU 3-2) deployed in Bangassou, was presided over by the UN Police Sector Commander East, Abigail Unaeze.
It was also attended by the CAR Governor-East, Victor Bissekoin, force commander in eastern region, Innocent Masse Noudjoutar, local grassroots leaders and peacekeepers from other contributing countries.
Madam Unaeze thanked the decorated officers for their professionalism and serving with pride and courage.
“These eleven months spent within MINUSCA were certainly intense for you, but we celebrate your sacrifice in overcoming the mission challenges to bring about peace and stability in this country,” Unaeze said.
She added: “I will not ignore your many community and humanitarian actions for the benefit of the population such as blood donation, medicine aid, water distribution to the vulnerable population; these define the mandate of protection of civilians.”
The RWAFPU3-2 Contingent Commander, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Methode Munyaneza, thanked MINUSCA, CAR leadership, local leaders, Bangassou residents as well as other peacekeepers for the support and partnership in accomplishing the mandate.
He also thanked the officers under his command for the discipline and commitment to international service since their deployment in November 2023.
Rwanda maintains four Police contingents under MINUSCA; three Formed Police Units and a Protection Support Unit (PSU).
Rwanda FPU-1 and PSU operate in the capital Bangui while FPU-2 and FPU-3 are deployed in Kaga-Bandoro and Bangassou, respectively.
The PSU is largely charged with ensuring protection for high profile government and UN officials, including the Prime Minister, President of National Assembly, Minister of State in charge of Justice, and MINUSCA Head of Police component, among others.
