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.

Oaths

Kindiki first took his oath of affirmation of due execution of office for the Deputy President.

“I, Kithure Kindiki, in full realisation of the high calling I assume as Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Republic of Kenya; that I will obey, preserve, protect, and defend this Constitution of Kenya, as by law established, and all other laws of the Republic; and that I will protect and uphold the sovereignty, integrity, and dignity of the people of Kenya, so help me, God,” Kindiki affirmed.

His second oath was an affirmation of allegiance to office of the Deputy President.

“I, Kithure Kindiki, do swear that I will always truly and diligently serve the people and the Republic of Kenya in the office of the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya; that I will diligently discharge my duties and perform my functions in the said office, to the best of my judgment; that I will at all times, when so required, faithfully and truly give my counsel and advice to the President of the Republic of Kenya; that I will do justice to all without fear, favour, affection or ill-will; and that I will not directly or indirectly reveal such matters as shall come to my knowledge in the discharge of my duties and committed to my secrecy, so help me God,” Kindiki read.

Enter Kindiki, exit Gachagua

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-judge 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 Interior and National Administration. 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 Kindiki, 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.