President Uhuru Kenyatta’s relationship with his deputy William Ruto appeared to have deteriorated beyond irredeemable levels on Monday, August 23, when the Head of State challenged his deputy to resign instead of attacking the government from within.
William Ruto has been volatile and seems uncertain about whether to resign or remain in a government that he has been technically pushed out.
In April 2021, the former Eldoret North Member of Parlament said he will not resign despite pressure from his critics to quit.
A few weeks ago, the second in command said he will officially quit the Jubilee government at a time of his own choosing.
But Uhuru who was speaking in a televised interview challenged William Ruto to resign if he is not happy with how the government is run.
“The honorable thing is that if you are not happy with it, step aside and allow those who want to move on to do so and take your agenda to the people,
“I would hope that people would have the courage to do that instead of throwing stones in the same house that you live in,” Uhuru said.
As Ruto maintains that he will not resign, Kivumbi.co.ke take a look at what happens should he opt out before 2022 General Election.
Resignation of deputy president in Kenya?
Article 149 of the Constitution of Kenya gives guidelines on what happens when a vacancy arises in the office of the Deputy President.
“Within fourteen days after a vacancy in the office of Deputy President arises, the President shall nominate a person to fill the vacancy,
“And the National Assembly shall vote on the nomination within 60 days after receiving it,” the article states.
The Constitution also stipulates that other than resignation, the deputy president may be removed from office on the ground of physical or mental incapacity to perform the functions of the office, impeachment, or death.
Political analyst Herman Manyora recently said should William Ruto opt to step down as deputy president of Kenya, President Uhuru could nominate ODM leader Raila Odinga to take up the position.
