Why I retained Kindiki in the security docket - Ruto

President William Ruto on Thursday explained why he nominated Kithure Kindiki back as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior.

The Head of State said that the former Senator did well protecting the country from terrorists at the Interior Ministry and that is why he preferred to remain in the docket.

"I thank you again for giving me Professor Kithure Kindiki. Professor is our Cabinet Secretary for Interior and this guy has done a good job. The terrorists are stuck. In Lamu, he has done a good job and in the North Rift even the bandits have left," Ruto said.

The Head of State made the remarks in Tharaka Nithi where he commissioned several projects.

In return, Kindiki told the President that he had his full support in the decision he had made for the interest of the country.

The former senator commended Ruto for uniting the country in his "broad-based" cabinet and emphasised that the time is ripe for all leaders to work for the Republic of Kenya.

"Thank you for unifying our country. Thank you for the decision you made. It is now time to work. We are behind you and God bless you, Mr President," Kindiki added.

Unity

The former CS assured the Head of State that all leaders would work together.

President William Ruto and Interior CS nominee Kithure Kindiki address a crowd in Tharaka Nithi County on July 25, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

Kindiki said this will be done to ensure the common government agenda is achieved.

"I want to assure you that those of us you have given jobs as ministers, PSs and other public servants will work with the elected leaders of your party and other leaders to ensure that the agenda of this government is fulfilled," he added.

Kindiki is among 20 Cabinet Secretaries nominees who will be vetted next week at the Mini-Chamber, County Hall, Parliament Buildings.

Back in 2022, Kindiki and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua were in the final list to become Ruto's running mate in the August general elections.

However, the President picked former Mathira MP, Gachagua as his choice.

On May 16, 2022, Kindiki announced that he would be quitting active politics after the August 9 General Election.

The Senator former stated that he would not defend his seat or vie for any political position in this General Election as well as take a break from politics.

However, when he was being vetted for the Interior docket in October 2022, Kindiki said he reconsidered the decision.

'I revived that position I took after being persuaded by my party. I had said if my party would engage me, I would be willing to re-consider my personal decision," Kindiki told the National Assembly vetting committee.