Kindiki sworn in, replaces Gachagua

By Johnson Juma

Professor Abraham Kithure Kindiki on Friday became Kenya’s third Deputy President, under the 2010 constitution.

He replaced the impeached Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua. Gachagua took over from President William Ruto in 2022, before the Senate voted him out of office, on October 17, 2024.

The former Tharaka Nithi Senator was sworn in at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) grounds, in Nairobi, with the oath of office being administered by Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, Winfrida Boyani Mokaya.

President Wiliam Ruto, First Lady Rachel Ruto and Chief Justice Martha Karambu Koome, were among dignitaries who witnessed Kindiki’s elevation from Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Interior and National Administration to the country’s second in command.

Addressing Kenyans shortly after being sworn in, Kindiki thanked President William Ruto for giving him an opportunity to serve as the third DP.

“I am grateful to you sir for giving me the opportunity to serve under you. I promise not to let you and the people of Kenya down,” he stated.

“I will be loyal and faithful and I will try the best of my ability to work hard to lighten the burden that you carry on your shoulders,” he added.

Kindi recognized his wife, Joyce, for always being there to raise their three children (Imani, Neema and Mwende) on most occasions when he was away in service to the nation.

President William Ruto welcomed Kindiki abroad, expressing confidence that he has what it takes to deliver.

Kindiki, Ruto said, is an astute and intelligent individual who will help him a great deal, to explain to Kenyans the projects and programs the government has implemented.  

“This moment calls for an individual who takes pride in a job well done and is humble enough to be a loyal servant of the people and who is selfless enough to reach out and mobilise the entirety of the government towards delivering for Kenya,” said Ruto.

Until his nomination by President William Ruto shortly after Gachagua’s impeachment last month, Kindiki was the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Interior and National Administration.

His swearing was preceded by a High Court ruling that on Thursday afternoon lifted orders barring the swearing in of the former Tharaka Nithi Senator.

The ruling was delivered by High Court judges Eric Ogolla, Fridah Mugambi and Anthony Mrima.