Kindiki Nominated as Deputy President Following Gachagua’s Impeachment

President William Ruto has put forward Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as his nominee for Deputy President following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua on October 17.

This nomination, now awaiting National Assembly approval, positions Prof. Kindiki on the cusp of becoming Kenya’s second-in-command. Born in 1972 in Tharaka constituency, Prof. Kindiki brings a wealth of legal and political experience to the role. For over two decades, he has advocated for clients in the High Court of Kenya and represented them in national and international courts. His political acumen was evident in his instrumental role in forging key political alliances, including the 2012 coalition between the National Alliance and the United Republican Party and the 2022 Kenya Kwanza Alliance.

Prof. Kindiki’s broad acceptability across the political spectrum and his long-standing relationship with President Ruto are seen as significant assets. He previously served as Ruto’s lawyer during the International Criminal Court proceedings, further cementing their professional bond. His nomination comes as no surprise to many, as he was a strong contender for the running mate position in the 2022 elections before Mr Gachagua’s selection. President Ruto has previously expressed high regard for Prof. Kindiki, suggesting that his political stature transcends regional roles such as senator or governor.

This endorsement aligns with recent public sentiment, as evidenced by an Infotrak survey that placed Prof. Kindiki as the preferred candidate to replace Mr. Gachagua in the event of his impeachment. Prof. Kindiki’s academic credentials are equally impressive. After completing his primary and secondary education, he pursued law at Moi University, followed by advanced degrees from the University of Pretoria, including a PhD in International Law. His academic career spans several prestigious institutions, including lectureships at Moi University and the University of Nairobi, where he also held administrative positions. In the political arena, Prof. Kindiki’s journey began with his election as Senator for Tharaka Nithi in 2013. He served as the first Senate majority leader for five years and later as deputy senate speaker.

His appointment as Interior Cabinet Secretary in 2022 marked his entry into the executive branch, a position he has maintained through subsequent cabinet reshuffles. Gachagua, a wealthy and influential figure from central Kenya helped Kenya Kwanza government in securing crucial votes for Ruto among the Kikuyu, Kenya’s largest ethnic group. However, their relationship has since deteriorated, with Gachagua expressing frustration at being marginalized and kept out of important decision-making processes. The rift between the two leaders widened following youth-led protests against the government in June and July. Critics accused Gachagua of supporting these demonstrations, which ultimately led to the president withdrawing a controversial tax increase plan.

Gachagua further exacerbated tensions by publicly criticizing the director-general of the National Intelligence Service for failing to adequately inform the president about the severity of the protests. This move drew a sharp rebuke from parliamentarians who viewed it as an attempt to undermine state security services and, by extension, the president himself. In response to these developments, President Ruto reshuffled his cabinet, appointing allies of the opposition leader as ministers. This move was widely interpreted as an effort to diminish the deputy president’s influence within the government.