Kenya’s Kithure Kindiki Set to Become Deputy President After Gachagua’s Dramatic Ouster
Kenya’s political landscape is undergoing a significant shift, with Kithure Kindiki set to become the country’s next deputy president. This comes after a dramatic series of impeachment votes by senators ousted Rigathi Gachagua from the role. The 52-year-old Kindiki, known for his calm demeanor, has been a key figure in President William Ruto’s administration, serving as interior minister for the past two years.
His nomination, approved by Parliament, follows his controversial oversight of police responses during the anti-tax protests earlier this year, where over 40 people lost their lives, and hundreds were injured in clashes. Despite the tragic outcomes, Kindiki defended the police force, commending their “restraint” and denying allegations of issuing shoot-to-kill orders. His stance sparked outrage among rights groups, who continue to demand accountability for the victims.
Kindiki’s ascent is tied closely to President Ruto, having served as Ruto’s lawyer in a case before the International Criminal Court (ICC) following Kenya’s 2007 post-election violence. Though the case was dismissed due to insufficient evidence, it further cemented Kindiki’s role as a trusted ally of the president.
With vast experience in governance, constitutional affairs, and legal advice, Kindiki brings intellectual and political weight to the position. He holds a PhD from the University of Pretoria and has published extensively in legal and policy circles.
Should his appointment proceed following court scrutiny, Kindiki is expected to shore up support for Ruto, particularly in the Mount Kenya region, where both he and his predecessor Gachagua hail from. His reputation as a loyal and measured figure might make him a stabilizing force in the administration, particularly amid the turbulence following Gachagua’s removal.
This transition comes at a critical time for Kenya, as the country grapples with rising economic pressures, political discontent, and calls for justice in ongoing human rights issues.
