As Kithure Kindiki took his oath of office on Friday, November 1, 2024, as Kenya’s new Deputy President, Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot watched, reflecting on a private exchange with the professor from a turbulent chapter in the country’s political history.
It was May 2020, a year of political upheaval, when Kindiki, then serving as Deputy Speaker of the Senate, faced a vote of no confidence from his fellow legislators.
The loss of the position, a bitter end to his role in the Senate, reverberated through his circle of allies, many of whom found the ousting unjust and devastating.
Cheruiyot, one of Kindiki’s close supporters, recalls the rawness of the moment as Kindiki was being sworn in as the new deputy president.
“On the day Senate voted to oust Prof. Kindiki as Deputy Speaker, I felt terribly gutted,” Cheruiyot shared on X, reflecting on his personal response to the events of four years ago.
“I walked up to him to say sorry.” But Kindiki’s response was surprising. Far from disappointment or bitterness, Kindiki instead offered his ally words of calm resolve.
“He looked at me straight in the eye and said, ‘You think God brought us this far, to terminate us at Deputy Speaker? Please relax. There are better days ahead,’” Cheruiyot recounted.
This moment, marked by Kindiki’s unshaken confidence in his political journey, had remained with Cheruiyot.
Today, as Kindiki was formally sworn into the second-highest office in the land, Cheruiyot found himself reflecting on the poignancy of that exchange and on Kindiki’s enduring belief in his path forward.
“Indeed, God’s timing is the best,” he concluded, his post encapsulating the satisfaction and pride he felt witnessing Kindiki’s ascent.
Kindiki’s rise to the Deputy Presidency was not just a victory for him but for many of his supporters who have witnessed his journey through the highs and lows of public service.
Having served previously as Cabinet Secretary for the Interior, Kindiki now takes on the role of Deputy President in a period where the country is hopeful for unity and forward momentum.
Kindiki ousted
On May 22, 2020, Kithure Kindiki, then Senate Deputy Speaker, faced a dramatic ousting from his position after an overwhelming 54 of his colleagues voted for his removal, with only seven voting against the motion.
The dismissal, largely considered a symbolic blow, was part of a broader political purge against supporters of then-Deputy President William Ruto, perceived by former boss President Uhuru Kenyatta as challenging his administration.
Speaking during the Senate session, Kindiki decried the ouster as “an elitist triviality powered by petty, divisive, and vindictive politics.”
The charges against Kindiki at the time centred around what was termed as his collaboration with ex-Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen in challenging President Uhuru’s policy moves.
Specifically, they were accused of attempting to undermine the transfer of some Nairobi County government functions to the national government, a move championed by Uhuru’s administration.
Additionally, Kindiki faced accusations of rallying Jubilee Party senators against the directives of the then-ruling party.
Uhuru enjoyed a supermajority in the National Assembly and Senate thanks to the 2018 handshake with Raila who gave him the backing of Azimio lawmakers to ensure the government’s agenda sailed through in Parliament.
This collaboration effectively sidelined Ruto-aligned leaders, many of whom, like Kindiki, saw their political paths rerouted as a result.
Missed opportunities
In a statement following Kindiki’s swearing-in as Deputy President, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, an ODM member, publicly reflected on the shifting political tides since those contentious years of Uhuru-Raila handshake.
In a pointed message on X, Amisi expressed admiration for President Ruto’s strategic alliance with Raila to secure the votes needed for the recent impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Amisi noted that retired President Uhuru declined to take similar action against his then-deputy Ruto despite calls from Raila’s faction as their political pact had the numbers to get the job done.
According to the Saboti MP, had Uhuru utilized the political influence Raila’s support provided, it might have paved the way for a clearer victory for Baba in the August 2022 presidential election.
“Congratulations Ruto you did what we told Uhuru to do, and he refused, making it hard for Baba [Raila Odinga] to be president,” Amisi remarked.
For Amisi, the ability to seize political opportunities, regardless of experience, defines a successful politician.
“Politics is not about experience but smartness. A young man can think better than an experienced politician! And I gave them enough advice. Now, I will also be unleashing advice to whoever cares to listen. Kenya needs a Renaissance!” he asserted.
