The Office of the Deputy President of Kenya has faced significant changes in its online presence following the recent court battle over the removal of Rigathi Gachagua from the position. Despite the ongoing legal dispute, the official website and social media accounts associated with the Deputy President have been deleted or altered.
One notable change is the removal of the blue verification tick from the official X handle of the Deputy President’s office. This verification mark, which signifies the authenticity and authority of the account, is crucial for distinguishing legitimate posts from potential imposters. It is speculated that the disappearance of the blue tick may be due to non-payment of the monthly subscription fee required to maintain it, which is approximately Sh2,000.
This alteration in online presence extends beyond social media accounts to official government websites. The State House website now displays an error message when attempting to access the ‘Office of the Deputy President’ tab, indicating that the page has been deleted. Similarly, the Cabinet’s page, which previously listed members including Rigathi Gachagua, has also been taken down.
The official website of the Office of the Deputy President has also been deleted, with a message stating that the site is undergoing maintenance and will be back shortly. This removal of online platforms comes amidst the legal battle challenging Gachagua’s removal from office by the Senate, with his legal team arguing that he was not given a fair trial.
In a recent ruling, the high court halted the process to replace Gachagua, preventing the swearing-in of Kithure Kindiki as his replacement. The court intervention has added a layer of complexity to the situation, leading to uncertainty surrounding the Deputy President’s position and online presence.
Overall, the changes in the Deputy President’s online presence reflect the ongoing legal and political turmoil surrounding the position. As the court battle continues, the future of the Deputy President’s office remains uncertain, with implications for both official government communication and public perception.
