Kithure Kindiki Sworn In as Kenya's New Deputy President After Gachagua’s Impeachment.
In his speech, Kindiki described his predecessor's impeachment as "a testament to the maturity of our democracy and proof that our institutions work." Addressing President Ruto, he pledged, "I will be loyal and faithful to you.
Ruto has appointed Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to serve as the acting Interior Minister.
With a reputation for his calm demeanor, Kindiki recently represented the government following the police's deadly response to anti-tax protests.
More than 40 people lost their lives in clashes with police, and over 300 others were injured, yet Kindiki praised the officers for showing "restraint" in maintaining order. He denied any shoot-to-kill orders were issued, a stance that sparked public outrage and led rights groups to demand justice for victims, including individuals allegedly abducted under suspicious circumstances.
Amid the protests, Kindiki solidified his standing as a loyal supporter of President Ruto and survived a ministerial reshuffle. This loyalty was unsurprising, as Kindiki has been a close ally of Ruto for over a decade, previously representing him as a lawyer during Ruto’s case before the International Criminal Court (ICC). At the time, Ruto, then a Member of Parliament, faced charges of crimes against humanity related to the 2007 post-election violence, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths. The case was later dropped due to insufficient evidence, though prosecutors claimed that witnesses had been intimidated.
Like his predecessor Gachagua, Kindiki hails from the Mount Kenya region, where he is expected to bolster the president's support following the impeachment. Known for his polished appearance and calm, deliberative speaking style, the father of two has a background in both law and academia.
With a master’s degree and a PhD from the University of Pretoria, Kindiki has published over 30 academic works, including books and articles in peer-reviewed journals. His expertise spans public policy, governance, public administration, legislative affairs, constitutional law, and legal advisory roles.
Kindiki entered politics in 2013 as the senator for Tharaka-Nithi County, serving five years as Senate majority leader. Re-elected in 2017, he later became the chamber’s deputy speaker until 2020, when he was removed during a purge of Ruto's allies.
After Ruto's presidential victory in 2022, Kindiki was appointed to his first cabinet role, quickly becoming a key government representative during national crises. Notably, he handled the response to the tragic discovery last year of hundreds of bodies in a remote forest, where it is alleged that self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie encouraged followers to starve themselves. Mackenzie, currently on trial, denies the charges.
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In 2022, some expected Kindiki to be chosen as Ruto's deputy, but Gachagua secured the position due to his considerable influence and resources. Ruto later remarked that Kindiki had "missed the chance to be deputy president by a whisker.
Now in office, Kindiki is anticipated to be a more loyal and dependable deputy than Gachagua, likely staying closely aligned with Ruto’s leadership.
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