Kindiki is the right man for DP job - Ex-governor Ongwae

Retired Kisii governor James Ongwae has termed newly inaugurated Deputy President Kithure as the right man for the job.

He said Kindiki's nomination and subsequent approval by Parliament is well deserved given his impressive performance in the positions that he has held not only in politics but also in the world of academia as a distinguished scholar.

In his congratulations message to Kindiki, Ongwae also lauded President William Ruto for picking a man with a proven track record as the country's second in command.

Ongwae, who is the chairperson of the Universal Fund, said the country is in a safe pair of hands to realise full development potential as stipulated in Kenya Kwanza's manifesto.

Ongwae said Kindiki's past roles as a former Tharaka Nithi Senator, university law don, and Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration have given him impeccable exposure and big lessons that he will draw in his new office.

The former governor said that for the years he has known Kindiki, he appreciates him as a man of distinguished integrity and unwavering love for Kenya.

"Like many Kenyans, I believe your appointment represents a major win for us as a nation, " Ongwae said in a statement on Friday.

He appealed for leaders to focus on forging lasting unity among the country's diverse communities to provide the much-needed momentum to accelerate the country's progress.

"As we move forward, let's prioritise unity and work towards a common agenda for Kenyans, '' the former governor added.

Kindiki took the oath of office on Friday after the High Court on Thursday lifted conservatory orders by a Kerugoya court that blocked his swearing-in.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached by Parliament, had filed a case in court to bar Kindiki from being sworn in until his case challenging his removal from office was determined.

Kindiki, who hails from the marginalised region of Tharaka, becomes the country's third deputy president.

He is the first deputy president to assume office without a popular mandate from Kenyans through the ballot.