By George Obulutsa

NAIROBI (Reuters) -Kenya’s President William Ruto has nominated interior minister Kithure Kindiki as his new deputy president, a day after the Senate voted to impeach Ruto’s previous deputy Rigathi Gachagua.

“I have received a message from … the president, regarding the nomination of Professor Kithure Kindiki to fill the vacancy which has occurred in the office,” Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said in parliament on Friday.

Gachagua, who denied all the charges against him during impeachment proceedings, backed Ruto in his 2022 election win and helped secure a large block of votes from the populous central Kenya region.

But in recent months, Gachagua has spoken of being sidelined, amid widespread reports in local media that he has fallen out with Ruto as political alliances have shifted.

Kindiki, a close ally of Ruto, has held the interior ministry post throughout Ruto’s two years as president.

He previously served as senator for Tharaka Nithi County and was a top contender to be Ruto’s running mate during the 2022 election.

Parliament will later have to vote to approve Kindiki’s appointment before he is sworn in.

(Reporting by George Obulutsa; Editing by Alexander Winning and Andrew Heavens)

Imo State Public
Enlightenment

BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION – DIVERSION

The Government of Imo State has announced a road diversion at 7½ Junction Obowo due to bridge construction on the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia road. Motorists are advised to use designated alternative routes, with special instructions for trailers and tankers.

The government assures the public of a swift project completion and seeks cooperation for smooth traffic management

According to recent filings with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), Billionaire Elon Musk has contributed almost $75 million to a political action committee (PAC) he established to back Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.

The donation underscores Musk’s growing involvement in Trump’s bid for the White House.

Musk, the world’s richest man, has become increasingly active in the Republican campaign.

He joined Trump on stage at a Pennsylvania rally and regularly criticizes his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris, on social media.

Trump has praised Musk at campaign events and promised to appoint him to a committee to reduce government bureaucracy if re-elected.

Musk’s America PAC raised $74.95 million between July and September, focusing on grassroots efforts to boost voter turnout in key battleground states like Pennsylvania.

The PAC’s website offers volunteers $30 per hour to help increase voter participation, with performance bonuses available.

In contrast, Kamala Harris’s Harris Victory Fund PAC raised $633 million during the same period.

Harris, who entered the presidential race after President Joe Biden’s withdrawal, has energized the Democratic base with a strong campaign focused on swing states.