Leaders congratulate Kindiki after nomination as next deputy president

Congratulatory messages started pouring in on Friday following the nomination of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to the position of Deputy President.

President William Ruto, through a communication, made the announcement which was read by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula to MPs.

Even before the MPs could vote on the nomination, congratulatory messages started streaming from across the political divide.

Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru told Kindiki that history has placed on him an honour and responsibility accorded to only a few.

"May God guide you and H.E. William Ruto as you lead this great country to achieve its tremendous potential. We must now dedicate our efforts to building a better Kenya under the leadership of H.E. William Samoei Ruto and H.E. Abraham Kithure Kindiki," she said.

Interior PS Raymond Omollo, who has been serving with Kindiki in the same docket, described him as a man whose relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering dedication to service have led to the well-deserved honour.

"Working alongside you has been a journey of shared purpose, where your wisdom, conviction, and compassion have guided us. I have no doubt you will continue to serve Kenya with the same integrity and vision. As you take on this great responsibility, may your leadership, anchored in justice, fairness, and love for the country, guide us forward. I wish you every success," Omollo said.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi also congratulated Kindiki on his nomination.

"Heartfelt congratulations to my brother, on your nomination as Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya. I am confident that you will serve with dedication, humility, and patriotism, fostering unity for our country's progress,” Wandayi said.

Another congratulatory message came from Environment CS Aden Duale.

"Congratulations to my brother and colleague Kithure Kindiki on your nomination as Deputy President. I have full trust in your leadership, alongside President William Ruto, to guide our country towards a prosperous future. Best wishes as you take on this important role," said Duale.

"Congratulations, my brother, on your appointment as the Deputy President of Kenya. We shall support you fully," Kakamega Senator Bonni Khalwale said.

"No one is more deserving of this role to support our President in tackling the various challenges we face as a nation and guiding us to new heights. Godspeed," said Kipchumba Murkomen, the CS for Sports.

Once approved, Kindiki will be formally appointed by the President as his deputy. Although the Constitution does not specify a timeframe for this appointment, it is expected to occur immediately after Parliament's approval.

Quiet demeanour

Known for his quiet demeanour, Prof Kindiki played a key role in Ruto's journey to become President.

At one point, Kindiki was expected to be Ruto's running mate in the 2022 elections, but Rigathi Gachagua was chosen instead.

Kindiki, from Irunduni village in Tharaka Constituency, began his career in academia.

He earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from Moi University, followed by a master's and PhD in International Law from the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

From 2000 to 2005, Kindiki taught law at Moi University and the University of Nairobi.

In 2005, he became the head of public law and associate dean at the University of Nairobi.

In 2008, he briefly served as the secretary of cohesion in the Justice Ministry but resigned after 100 days to return to teaching.

Kindiki's political career took off in 2012 when he defended President William Ruto at The Hague in the crimes against humanity case. This case strengthened his bond with Ruto.

Riding on this visibility, Kindiki entered politics on a Jubilee Alliance ticket, helping draft the party's constitution and manifesto ahead of their 2013 victory.

He was elected senator for Tharaka-Nithi County and held the seat for two terms.

During his time in the Senate, Kindiki served as Senate Majority Leader (2013-2017) and Deputy Speaker until his removal in 2020.

Kindiki, a former student of Irunduni Primary School and Lenana High School, climbed Kenya Kwanza's leadership ranks through a mix of strategy and luck.

At Ruto's request, Kindiki dropped his bid for Tharaka-Nithi governor in 2022.

Instead, he helped draft the Kenya Kwanza coalition's power-sharing agreement.

After Kenya Kwanza's win, Kindiki became Interior Cabinet Secretary, a role he held until July 2024, when President Ruto dismissed the entire Cabinet. He was later reappointed to the same position.

Ruto on July 25, 2024, 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 retain him 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.