Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has been nominated by President William Ruto as the Deputy President after Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment.
Kindiki’s nomination was revealed by Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula during a special sitting on Friday, October 18, 2024.
“I have a message from the President on the nomination of Prof. Kithure Kindiki to fill the vacancy in the office of Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya,” Wetang’ula said.
Gachagua‘s fate was sealed on Thursday, October 17, 2024, when the Senate approved five of the 11 charges the former Mathira Member of Parliament faced in an impeachment motion that originated from the National Assembly.
The nomination and final approval by Parliament will make Kindiki Kenya’s second DP under President Ruto.
Kindiki congratulated
The nomination of the former Tharaka Nithi County Senator as DP designate has generated reactions from Kenyans.
Kikuyu Member of Parliament (MP) Kimani Ichung’wah, who vocally supported Gachagua’s ouster, is among the first leaders to congratulate Kindiki.
“Congratulations, my brother Kitthure Kindiki, on your appointment as Deputy President. Serve diligently, selflessly, and with zeal to bring the country together under one flag and move the nation forward.
“Work tirelessly with dedication and purpose, striving to ensure progress, unity, and prosperity for all. Let the spirit of patriotism, inclusivity, and hard work guide you in this important assignment as we build a brighter future for our beloved country,” Ichung’wah’s X post said.
Anne Waiguru, Kirinyaga Governor, who had been tipped to succeed Gachagua, also congratulated Kindiki for his nomination.
“My brother, Professor Kithure Kindiki, my sincere congratulations. To you, history has placed honour and responsibility on only a few. May God guide you and HE William Ruto as you lead this great country to achieve its tremendous potential.
“To those who supported me for this position, I thank you. We must now dedicate our efforts to building a better Kenya under the leadership of HE William Samoei Ruto and HE Abraham Kithure Kindiki,” Waiguru said in a post on X on Friday, October 18, 2024.
