Kindiki vows to uphold UDA ideals, unite party as Deputy Party Leader

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has vowed to help President William Ruto realise his aspirations and those of the UDA party for the people of Kenya.

Speaking on Monday Kindiki highlighted the importance of unity within the party and across Kenya, pledging to uphold the United Democratic Alliance party's ideals as the party continues to shape the nation's future.

In his view, the strength of any government rests on the unity and loyalty of its political party, with the ruling party serving as a pillar for national stability.

"The head of state and government is the party leader before being president. He holds that office by virtue of the party." Kindiki noted that as Deputy Party Leader, he will support the President not only in leading the country but in embodying UDA's values as a party.

He was speaking at the UDA headquarters in Nairobi after being appointed its deputy party leader.

The Deputy President also spoke passionately about unity, both as a UDA principle and a national priority.

In his view, unity is essential in achieving UDA's mission, a value he plans to uphold as Deputy Party Leader.

He reflected on his experiences in the party, including his role as chief agent for the Presidential candidate, which he sees as proof of the importance of cohesion among party members.

"I am a firm believer in the unity of Kenya, the indivisibility of Kenya, and the oneness of Kenya." He expressed his dedication to building a sense of solidarity within the party that mirrors his vision for the nation," Kindiki recalled.

In his vision, UDA's unity would serve as a model for the country, helping cultivate a culture of solidarity and shared identity.

Kindiki called for an inclusive environment within UDA, one that represents diverse voices, including youth, persons with disabilities, elderly citizens, and members of various religious and ethnic backgrounds.

"As a party, we must ensure that all subnational interests converge and meet at the table of our country as a whole," he said, pledging to support a party environment that values all perspectives.

The DP outlined a leadership approach rooted in open communication and consultation. He emphasized that he would work closely with all UDA's organs and follow the party's constitution, stressing that loyalty to these principles is essential for effective governance.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki (centre) is welcomed to the party's headquarters by Secretary General Hassan Omar and Chairperson Cecily Mbarire. (Photo: UDA)

"I am taking over this role at a very defining moment in the life of our nation," he said.

Reflecting on his role in drafting UDA's constitution, setting up its organizational framework, and contributing to its manifesto, Kindiki noted that he is well-prepared to uphold the party's ideals of loyalty and unity.

Kindiki expressed his hope that loyalty to UDA's principles will help focus party members on shared goals that transcend personal or regional interests.

"Without our unity, our Republic will not be viable. We will be doing small things all the time because our thoughts, our interests, our values are not aggregated together," he explained, highlighting that a cohesive approach is essential for Kenya's progress.

Routine UDA office visits

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki shed light on his twice-monthly visits to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) headquarters during his tenure as Cabinet Secretary for Interior.

Kindiki outlined his responsibilities, emphasising that these visits were authorised by UDA leadership and were conducted to ensure security and maintain the integrity of party operations.

According to Kindiki, one of the primary reasons for his visits was to check on security at the UDA offices, as they were a regular facility for the President, who also serves as the UDA party leader.

"I needed to check from time to time that this facility is secure for the Commander in Chief," he explained, noting that it was his duty as Interior Minister to ensure all facilities frequented by the head of state were adequately safeguarded.

The second purpose of his visits was related to his role as the party's Presidential Chief Agent.

Kindiki said that he maintained close ties with party leadership to fulfil his obligations until a successor was appointed.

"Just like the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the office of the Presidential Chief Agent must continue to exist until another one comes in for the next election cycle," he said.

Kindiki shared that his visits involved checking paperwork and files to ensure no unauthorized changes or interference had occurred.

These checks also confirmed that UDA's liaison with the Registrar of Political Parties remained in good standing.

"I used to come here as a chief agent of the President to make sure the paperwork is intact, that nobody has interfered with the files," he explained.

Although the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the presidential election, Kindiki noted that his role as Presidential Chief Agent continued beyond that point.

"It is good manners and good practice that the party's Presidential Chief Agent stays on until another one is appointed," he stated, adding that discussions about the transition are ongoing with party leadership.