The national assembly has approved the nomination of Interior CS Kithure Kindiki as the deputy president after Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment.
Known for his legal prowess and academic excellence, Kindiki has a long history with President William. He was one of the attorneys representing him at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his role in the 2007/8 post-election violence.
Kithure Kindiki was born in Tharaka-Nithi County and spent most of his childhood in the region. he later studied law at Moi University and later went on to pursue a Master’s degree in International Human Rights Law at the University of Pretoria in South Africa.
He was appointed Secretary for the National Cohesion and Reconciliation outfit by the late President Mwai Kibaki in 2008 but resigned shortly after over the resettlement plan of those affected by the 2007/8 post-election violence.
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After representing Ruto at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on allegations of crimes against humanity, Kindiki decided to try his luck in politics during the 2013 general elections. He was elected senator of Tharaka-Nithi County on a Jubilee Party ticket led by former president Uhuru Kenyatta.
The seasoned lawyer served as the senator for two terms.
During the fallout between then-President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy, William Ruto, Kindiki chose to side with Ruto and was ultimately impeached from his position as the deputy speaker of the Senate.
He was appointed the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration in President Ruto’s initial and restructured Cabinet.
His nomination as the deputy president was expected as he was the preferred candidate for the position back then.
During an interview with Hot 96, Kabogo disclosed that Ruto chose Gachagua despite most leaders backing Kithure Kindiki, the Interior Cabinet Secretary, as his running mate.
Kabogo explained that 26 people voted on the matter, with 21 supporting Kindiki and only three voting for Gachagua.
The speaker of the national assembly, Moses Wetangula, announced his nomination on Friday, 18 October.
"Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 42(1), I wish to report to the House that this morning I received a message from the President regarding the nomination of Kithure Kindiki to fill the vacancy in the Office of the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya following the impeachment of the previous office holder," stated Wetangula.
236 members of parliament voted in approval of Kindiki's appointment.
"The nomination is herewith declared passed by the House and the Speaker will transmit the result to the president and the speaker will also sign a gazette notice to this effect," Speaker Moses Wetang'ula said.
