Professor Kithure Kindiki's Ascent to Deputy President: A Tale of Ambition, Sacrifice, and Political Turmoil

Professor Kithure Kindiki, a seasoned lawyer and politician, now holds the position of Deputy President of Kenya. His journey to the second-highest office in the land is a compelling narrative of personal ambition, strategic political maneuvering, and a dramatic turn of events that saw his predecessor impeached.

Early Life and Illustrious Career:

Born on July 17, 1972, in the Meru District, Abraham Kithure Kindiki's early life was  marked by a strong academic drive. He attended Lenana School for his secondary education. He later pursued a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Moi University, graduating in 1998. His quest for knowledge led him to the University of Pretoria in South Africa, where he obtained a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Human Rights Law and Democracy in 2000, followed by a PhD in International Law in 2002. He also holds a postgraduate diploma from the Kenya School of Law, qualifying him as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya.

Kindiki's professional life began in academia, where he served as a law lecturer at Moi University and later at the University of Nairobi, where he rose to become the head of the public law department.

Foray into Politics:

Kindiki's entry into the political arena was marked by his legal expertise. He served as a lawyer for William Ruto at the International Criminal Court (ICC), a role that significantly raised his public profile. This political capital propelled him to a successful senatorial bid for Tharaka-Nithi County in 2013, a seat he retained in the 2017 general election. During his time in the Senate, he held key leadership positions, including Senate Majority Leader and later, Deputy Speaker.

The 2022 Election: A Near Miss and a Strategic Sacrifice

In the run-up to the 2022 general election, Professor Kindiki was a leading contender to be the running mate for the then-presidential candidate, William Ruto, under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) banner. Internal party polls and a "college vote" of UDA leaders from the Mount Kenya region reportedly favored Kindiki.[ However, in a move that was seen as a strategic political calculation, Ruto ultimately chose Rigathi Gachagua, then the Member of Parliament for Mathira, as his running mate.

Kindiki gracefully accepted the decision, opting not to contest for any elective position in the 2022 polls and instead campaigned for the Ruto-Gachagua ticket. Following their victory, President Ruto appointed Kindiki as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, a powerful and critical position in the government.

Gachagua's Impeachment and Kindiki's Nomination:

The political landscape took a dramatic turn when Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was impeached by a majority vote in both the National Assembly and the Senate. The grounds for his impeachment included gross violation of the constitution, abuse of office, and inciting ethnic hatred. Gachagua denied all the charges, claiming they were politically motivated.

Following Gachagua's removal from office, President William Ruto nominated Kithure Kindiki as his new Deputy President. The nomination was swiftly approved by Parliament, a testament to Kindiki's broad support within the ruling coalition.

Despite a series of legal challenges lodged by the ousted Gachagua, the courts ultimately cleared the way for Kindiki's inauguration. On November 1, 2024, Professor Kithure Kindiki was sworn in as the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, completing a remarkable political journey. His appointment was seen by many as a reward for his loyalty and a recognition of his calm and collected demeanor in a turbulent political environment.