Professor Kithure Kindiki will be sworn in a ceremony scheduled for Saturday, October 19, at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi.
Kenyans.co.ke has learned that the 53-year-old will assume office just a day after Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment, marking a rapid transition in the country’s leadership. Sources close to the matter confirmed that President William Ruto is eager to expedite the process, although it remains unclear whether the ceremony will be done after the High Court issued conservatory orders.
Late Friday, October 18, senior government advisor Moses Kuria shared a video showing a sneak peek of the preparations being made at Uhuru Gardens for the swearing-in ceremony. Kuria in a tweet stated, “Inspecting the site for tomorrow swearing in of H.E Kithure Kundiki, 3rd Deputy President under the 2010 Katiba.”
Kindiki’s ascension will make him the country’s 13th Vice President and the third under the 2010 Constitution. Prior to 2010, the appointment of the Vice President was often influenced by power brokers or left to the President’s discretion, with incumbents facing the constant threat of being sidelined, fired, or forced out.
The role has long been characterised by intense political manoeuvring, and Gachagua’s turbulent 766-day tenure was no exception.
Having served as Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kindiki is no stranger to the dynamics of national governance. The National Assembly approved his nomination on Friday, with 236 MPs voting overwhelmingly in favour of the appointment, following a minor technical glitch that required a second round of electronic voting.
Speaker Moses Wetangula announced the results, declaring, “The nomination is hereby declared passed by the House,” setting the stage for Kindiki to replace the ousted Gachagua.
The ceremony will be officiated under Article 148 of the Constitution, which mandates that the Chief Justice or their deputy oversee the oath-taking. This swift transition aims to ensure the country does not remain without a Deputy President for long, stabilising leadership during a politically charged period.
Despite the impending swearing-in, the political storm surrounding Gachagua’s removal shows no signs of abating. The former Deputy President, currently admitted to Karen Hospital with “intense chest pains,” has taken legal action to challenge his ouster. His hospitalisation adds a dramatic twist to the already tense atmosphere as he battles to retain his position.
Born on July 16, 1972, in Tharaka Constituency, Kindiki is on the cusp of becoming Kenya’s second in command, a role he narrowly missed in 2022. A seasoned advocate of the High Court of Kenya with over two decades of legal experience, he has represented clients both locally and internationally, showcasing his legal acumen.
His acceptance across political lines and close relationship with President Ruto, whom he defended during the International Criminal Court case, further solidify his standing.