Kenya’s new deputy president to be sworn in

Kithure Kindiki, the softly spoken former law professor and current interior minister, is poised to be sworn in as Kenya’s new deputy president this Friday. His ascension follows a dramatic impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua, which took place two weeks ago when senators voted to oust him. An attempt by Gachagua to postpone the swearing-in ceremony was unsuccessful, clearing the way for Kindiki to step into his new role.

At 52 years old, Kindiki brings a wealth of experience to the position. He has been serving as President William Ruto’s interior minister for the past two years, and his appointment is seen as a crucial step in moving beyond a tumultuous chapter in Kenya’s political landscape. Kindiki played a prominent role during a challenging period marked by a severe police crackdown on anti-tax protests, which led to widespread public outcry and accusations of excessive force.

As the head of security services, Kindiki was responsible for managing the government’s response to the protests that erupted in June, resulting in over 40 fatalities and injuries to at least 300 others. While facing significant criticism, he praised police for their “restraint” and denied that any shoot-to-kill orders were issued, a stance that provoked anger among rights groups advocating for justice for the victims.

Kindiki’s loyalty to President Ruto has been a defining characteristic of his career. He has been a close ally of Ruto since their days together a decade ago when Kindiki acted as Ruto’s lawyer during a case at the International Criminal Court (ICC). This case involved allegations of crimes against humanity related to the violent aftermath of the 2007 elections, which left over 1,200 dead. Ultimately, the case was dropped due to insufficient evidence, although concerns about witness intimidation were raised.

Hailing from the Mount Kenya region, Kindiki’s appointment is expected to solidify Ruto’s support in this critical area following Gachagua’s impeachment. Known for his polished appearance and articulate speaking style, Kindiki’s academic background enhances his profile. He holds both a master’s degree and a PhD from the University of Pretoria in South Africa and has published more than 30 works, including books and peer-reviewed journal articles on public policy, law, and governance.

His political journey began in March 2013 when he was elected senator for Tharaka-Nithi county. He served as Senate majority leader for five years and was re-elected in 2017, later becoming the chamber’s deputy speaker until a political purge in 2020 removed him from that role. When Ruto won the presidency in 2022, he appointed Kindiki as interior minister, a role that saw him frequently represent the government during crises.

In recent years, Kindiki has been at the forefront of addressing significant tragedies, including the discovery of hundreds of starvation victims in a remote forest, allegedly encouraged by a self-styled pastor to cease eating. He described the situation as a “massacre” and visited the site to oversee the government’s response. More recently, he was present at a school where 17 students tragically lost their lives in a dormitory fire, promising full accountability for those responsible.

Although Kindiki was considered a potential choice for deputy president in 2022, Gachagua ultimately secured the role due to his considerable influence and wealth. Following the outcome, Ruto remarked that Kindiki had “missed the chance to be deputy president by a whisker.”

With Gachagua’s departure, Kindiki is anticipated to be a more loyal deputy, one who will adhere closely to Ruto’s directives. His appointment signals a shift in Kenya’s political dynamics as the country looks to stabilize after recent upheavals. As he prepares to take the oath of office, all eyes will be on Kindiki to see how he will navigate the challenges ahead and support the president in fostering unity and progress within the nation.