MPs vote in support Ruto’s nomination of Kithure Kindiki as deputy president

Members of the National Assembly have on Friday voted in support of the nomination of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as the Deputy President.

This follows his nomination by President William Ruto on Friday morning.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula had initially directed that the MPs should vote electronically, but the electronic voting failed, prompting members to vote by roll call.

After the roll call, 236 members voted in support of Kindiki's nomination. There were no votes against it nor were there abstensions.

The Speaker said he would submit the results to the President to proceed with the appointment and sign a gazette notice on the same.

"He is now deputy president-elect," Wetang'ula declared.

Prior to the approval by MPs, questions had been raised on whether or not the House could approve Kindiki’s nomination on the same day.

However, Speaker Wetang’ula in his communication said voting would be done on Friday.

“Nomination and voting of Kithure Kindiki on the same day is within the constitutional timeline provided for in the Constitution,” he said.

On whether or not the approval of the nomination of the deputy president is subject to public participation, the Speaker said the exercise was not applicable in this particular matter.

He explained that elective positions before the House, including those of Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and East African Legislative Assembly member, are not subjected to public participation.

“The practice of the House in these instances is that the House has always proceeded directly to vote without public participation. To this end, as far as Article 149(1) of the Constitution is concerned, the House votes upon receiving the nomination, and the requirement for public participation does not apply,” Wetang’ula said.

“To the extent that Article 149(1) of the constitution contemplates the House to vote upon receiving the nomination, the requirement of public participation is not applicable in this case,” the Speaker said.

Kindiki’s approval required only a simple majority vote, with Wetang’ula dismissing arguments that a two-thirds threshold is necessary.

“Consequently, noting that Article 149(1) of the Constitution requires the House to take a vote on the nomination, the approval process outlined under the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act does not apply.

“In this case, the House will therefore adopt the precedent it has set on this matter, and this settles the point, honourable members,” the Speaker directed.

KIndiki's approval by the National Aseembly now means President William Ruto will appoint Kindiki as his principal assistant.

Kindiki will then await a date for his swearing-in.

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