Prof. Kithure Kindiki serves as Kenya’s third Deputy Presiden, having been officially sworn in on Friday, November 1, 2024. He succeeded Rigathi Gachagua, who was removed from office through impeachment.
Kithure Kindiki Early Political Career
In 2022, President William Ruto appointed Kindiki as the Interior Cabinet Secretary following Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition election victory. Kindiki quickly rose in prominence within Kenya’s government, known for his legal expertise and commitment to governance. He was appointed as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior
Educational Background
Kithure Kindiki hails from Irunduni village in Tharaka Nithi County. He began his career in academia with a Bachelor of Laws degree from Moi University. He later advanced his studies with a Master’s degree in International Human Rights Law and Democracy, as well as a Ph.D. in International Law, both from the University of Pretoria, South Africa.
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Kindiki initially served as a law lecturer at Moi University from 2000 to 2003, later moving to the University of Nairobi (UoN) to continue teaching until 2005. His career at UoN included a promotion to head the Department of Public Law, followed by his appointment as the Associate Dean of the Law School.
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Kindiki’s political journey began in 2008 when he was appointed Secretary of Cohesion in the Ministry of Justice. After a brief 100-day tenure, he resigned and returned to academia. His significant public presence grew in 2012 when he joined the legal defense team for President William Ruto in the International Criminal Court case. It was a pivotal moment that marked the start of his close alliance with Ruto and set the stage for his political ambitions.
Senate Career and Legislative Contributions
Kindiki entered elective politics in 2013, successfully running for the Tharaka Nithi Senatorial seat on the Jubilee Alliance ticket. The Alliance, formed by The National Alliance (TNA) led by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and Ruto’s United Republican Party (URP), helped propel him into a critical role in the Senate. During his first term, Kindiki served as the Senate Majority Leader and later as Senate Deputy Speaker until 2020, when he was de-whipped.
Expertise and International Legal Work
Prof. Kindiki is widely respected for his expertise in International Law and research. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with prominent organizations, including the United Nations and the International Commission of Jurists, Kenya Section, where his work has made a significant impact.
Kithure Kindiki Becomes Kenya’s Third President
Follow his swearing-in, Prof. Kindiki is now officially the third deputy President of the Republic of Kenya under the 2010 constitution. Former DP Rigathi Gachagua also becomes on of the shortest serving deputy presidents in Kenya’s history.
