Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, inaugurated last Friday, hit the ground running as he moved to enhance his visibility after Rigathi Gachagua's ouster.
It was his first full week in office but remained in charge of the country as President Ruto jetted out of the country on Wednesday for an official visit to South Sudan.
Kindiki was installed as the country's second in command after his predecessor Gachagua was removed from office by impeachment.
However, the new DP courted controversy hours after he was sworn in, triggering public uproar over his remarks that public interest could hurt national interests.
Speaking at the official opening of the Supreme Court's 12th
Jurisprudential Conference in Nairobi, Kindiki challenged the judiciary to
find mechanisms to balance between public interest and the national interest -
which he termed as 'higher'.
While
referencing Chapter 238 of the 2010 Constitution, which addresses national
security, Kindiki noted that at times, the Judiciary's focus on addressing
public interest could come at the expense of national welfare.
"I've had to ask myself whether the highest interest is the public
interest or there is a higher interest called the national interest because the
public itself could hurt the national interests,'' he said.
"Other than the parameters and the principles of the court help us to understand the public interest, are there other higher values and principles which are crucial to the existence of Kenya? Because the public can do the wrong things which threaten the existence of the state. That is the dead front of jurisprudence I want us to think about."
Kindiki's comments on Monday threw off the majority of Kenyans with many blasting him for appearing to be willing to safeguard the will of the Executive while trashing the sovereign will of the people.
Many who pontificated on the matter castigated the new DP
for the comments which they found repressive and an attempt to subvert the
people's will and protect the government at all costs.
Former Nairobi Town Clerk Philip Kisia said: "Prof. Kindiki, let's set aside the semantics. The only interests that truly matter are those impacting the people—the real, everyday individuals. Any other interests are simply irrelevant. It’s that straightforward. Understood?"
Last Saturday, Kindiki was at State House when President Ruto held talks with officials of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) led by National Chairman Omboko Milemba and hosted by President William Samoei Ruto at State House, Nairobi.
"The Government is committed to continuously engaging and receiving feedback from education stakeholders to improve the education of our children and the welfare of teachers in all our learning institutions,'' Kindiki said.
On Tuesday, Kindiki witnessed the award of Charters to the Islamic University of Kenya and The National Intelligence and Research University by President Ruto at State House, Nairobi.
Kindiki said the National Intelligence and Research University will play a pivotal role in preparing intelligence professionals who will provide solid and knowledge-based solutions for the sustainability of the country’s safety, security, and development now and in the years ahead.
"We challenge the Islamic University and all other faith-based established universities to continuously ensure that people who are in the education space, especially those that have a faith inclination, help the government and the people of Kenya to ensure that people who teach religion or articulate education values that are anchored on religion are well prepared and trained to faithfully and truly represent the values of religion and safeguard the country from the devastating effects of indoctrination, religious extremism, and intolerance,'' the DP said.
The DP also witnessed President Ruto receive the credentials of Monica Achol Aguek Ayol, the newly appointed Ambassador of South Sudan to Kenya, at State House, Nairobi.
Kindiki also joined Ruto at State House, Nairobi, as he hosted and held bilateral talks with the Communist Party of China (CPC) delegation led by Li Xi.
Li Xi is a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.
"Kenya appreciates and values her diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China, anchored on shared goals for economic growth and development,'' Kindiki said.
"The Belt and Road Initiative that prioritises infrastructure development, energy and digital technology will catalyse the Kenyan modernisation and economic transformation agenda."
On Wednesday, Kindiki was on duty to see off President William Samoei Ruto as he departed for Juba, South Sudan for an official visit.
Kindiki said Ruto's visit aimed at consolidating the South Sudanese political transition through the Tumaini Peace Consensus.
"The Tumaini Initiative, supported by Kenya and other development partners, is a progressive model for inclusive peace-building to achieve lasting peace and tranquillity in the region,'' Kindiki said.
