President William Ruto has nominated Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki to replace Rigathi Gachagua as Deputy President following Gachagua’s impeachment.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula delivered the news Friday morning, marking a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape.
“Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 42(1), I wish to report to the House that this morning I have received a message from the President regarding the nomination of Kithure Kindiki to fill the vacancy which has occurred in the Office of the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya following the impeachment of the previous office holder,” stated Wetangula
Impeachment and Nomination Process
Gachagua’s removal came after a two-day Senate process, during which the Senate supported five of the eleven charges against him, with gross violation of the Constitution being among the most critical.
Prof. Kindiki’s nomination now awaits approval by the National Assembly, which must vote on it within 60 days but The National Assembly has expedited to happen this afternoon
Once confirmed, Kindiki will be formally appointed as the Deputy President, although the Constitution does not specify an exact timeline for this process.
Kindiki’s Rise in Politics
Born in Irunduni village, Tharaka Nithi County, Kindiki, 52, has built a strong political and academic career.
He attended Lenana School before earning a law degree from the University of Nairobi.
He went on to obtain a Master’s degree and a PhD in law from the University of Pretoria, later teaching at Moi and Nairobi universities.
Kindiki’s foray into public service began in 2008 when he was appointed Secretary for the National Cohesion and Reconciliation Commission by the late President Mwai Kibaki.
He resigned after three months, citing a lack of political will to resettle victims of the 2007 post-election violence.
He gained national attention when he joined Ruto’s legal defense team during the International Criminal Court (ICC) trial.
This visibility helped propel him into elective politics, winning the Senate seat for Tharaka Nithi in 2013 on his first attempt. He served two terms and rose to become the Deputy Speaker in his second term, though tensions between then-President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President Ruto eventually led to his impeachment from the Senate.
A Strong Contender
In the lead-up to the 2022 general elections, Kindiki was seen as a top contender for the Deputy President position but was ultimately passed over in favor of Rigathi Gachagua.
Ruto later explained that Gachagua’s age played a role in his decision, suggesting they would understand each other better. Kindiki, however, remained a favorite among political leaders and the public.
He received endorsements from at least 69 elected leaders from the Mt. Kenya region as well as strong support from youth groups, Members of County Assemblies, and opinion polls, which all pointed to him as the ideal successor to Gachagua.
His two-year tenure as Interior CS, handling national administration and security, has further solidified his reputation as a capable leader within President Ruto’s government.
What Comes Next
The National Assembly must now debate and vote on Kindiki’s nomination.
If approved, Kindiki will be sworn in as Deputy President, cementing his role in Kenya’s political leadership.
His ascension comes at a time when Kenya’s political landscape is shifting, with Kindiki expected to play a key role in the Ruto administration moving forward.
The nation now waits for Parliament’s next move, as Kindiki stands on the cusp of becoming Kenya’s second-highest-ranking official.
