President William Ruto did not have a lot of work when choosing Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as his next deputy, following Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment.
The friendship between the Interior CS and the President dates back many years, including when Ruto faced crimes against humanity charges at The Hague after the post-election violence of 2007-8.
Kindiki was among the lawyers who represented Ruto at the International Criminal Court, and later at the Supreme Court when the latter was fighting for his current job.
Ruto also appointed him as his chief agent in the 2022 presidential race and he camped at Bomas of Kenya until IEBC declared the winner.
Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki said Kindiki and Ruto “have a natural chemistry.”
“He is humble and treats all people with decorum. He has a nationwide appeal, not only in Mt Kenya.”
After it became clear Gachagua would be impeached, there was heavy lobbying for the job.
Among those touted were Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah and Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika.
The Star has reliably established Ruto had a shortlist of Kindiki, Ichung’wah and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire.
After Senators voted, Kenya Kwanza top guns retreated for consultations where it was decided Kindiki’s name would be presented to the National Assembly for voting. Speaker Moses Wetang’ula unveiled the name in a special sitting that members scheduled on Wednesday to allow for consideration of the motion.
At least 236 MPs voted to support the nomination on Friday, hours before a court temporarily stopped the implementation of the Senate resolution. Kindiki’s calm demeanor is cited as among the attributes that made him tick the boxes.
He comes out as polite but firm and with a nationwide appeal. The CS is also viewed as easily acceptable in Mt Kenya, where about 70 MPs had endorsed him as their leader over Gachagua.
On Friday leaders poured accolades on Kindiki’s, saying he would make the perfect DP.
His contender, Waiguru, was among the first to break the news of his nomination, even before Parliament kick-started the process.
“My sincere congratulations to you (Kindiki), history has placed an honour and responsibility accorded to only a few,” she said.
Kang’ata said, “Congratulations, Prof Kithure Kindiki, on your elevation to the position of Deputy President. You deserved the position and please serve with zeal.”
Speaker Wetang’ula hailed the incoming Deputy President as one who has demonstrated his commitment to public service.
“Having served as Interior Cabinet Secretary, he has gained first-hand insight into the challenges faced by Kenyans across the country,” the Speaker said.
“With his wealth of experience, I am confident that he will provide invaluable counsel to the President and serve with utmost efficiency.”
Prime Cabinet Secretary and CS for Foreign Affairs Musalia Mudavadi described the new DP as a diligent servant.
“He has steadfastly supported the President and Kenya Kwanza administration to deliver on the promises of transforming the livelihoods of all Kenyans across the country,” he said.
“I fully trust in his leadership, alongside President William Ruto, to guide our country towards a prosperous future,” Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said.
Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi said he was sure the DP had shown he could serve with dedication, humility and patriotism.
“I am confident he will foster unity for our country’s progress.”
In his message to the august House, President Ruto said the nominee was qualified for the role.
Wetang’ula told MPs the President assessed the nominee against the requirements for the second most powerful office in the land.
Ruto said in his message he sought and received clearances from KRA, EACC, DCI, Helb, and Commission on University Education.
“I am satisfied that the candidate meets the requirements under Article 148 as read together with Article 137,” Wetang’ula said.
Kindiki was born in Irunduni village, Tharaka Nithi county, 52 years ago.
He went to school in Tharaka and later joined Lenana School in Nairobi.
He then proceeded to Moi University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree.
He proceeded to the Kenya School of Law for a postgraduate diploma in law. Kindiki then went for further education at the University of Pretoria in South Africa and obtained a Master in Laws in the year 2000.
In 2002, the Cabinet Secretary
obtained a PhD in International
Law from the same institution. He
joined politics in the 2013 general
election and won the Tharaka Nithi
Senate seat.