Kithure Kindiki has taken his oath of office to be Kenya’s new Deputy President.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary has been sworn in at an event that was held at KICC on Friday, November 1, 2024.
Kindiki assumes office after the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua, Ruto’s first deputy.
His assumption comes after legal battles that were waged by Gachagua, who was impeached by Parliament. Mwengi Mutuse, Kibwezi Member of Parliament, moved the motion at the National Assembly, where it was approved and moved to the Senate.
At the Senate, Gachagua did not appear for cross-examination, and his lawyers later said he fell sick and was taken to the hospital.
The Senate proceedings moved on regardless, and five of the 11 charges were upheld, meaning that Gachagua stood impeached.
He moved to the court and obtained orders that stopped Kindiki from taking an oath of office. However, a three-bench at the High Court – consisting of Eric Ogola, Anthony Mrima, and Fredah Mugambi – lifted the orders, paving the way for Kindiki to assume office.
This is Kindiki’s second role in the Kenya Kwanza administration. When Ruto won the 2022 elections as president, he appointed the law scholar as his Cabinet Secretary for Internal Security. After the Gen Zs ‘ demonstrations, he was maintained in the same position after the cabinet was dissolved.
Ruto, after Gachagua’s impeachment process was completed in parliament, nominated Kithiki, and he was consequently approved by the National Assembly.
As he moves to the Harambee Annex office, Musalia Mudavadi, the Prime Cabinet Secretary and CS for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, will take charge of the security docket in an acting capacity.
