A hundred days of Kindiki: Hard work first, politics later

When Professor Abraham Kithure Kindiki took to the stage outside the Kenyatta International Convention Centre to take his oath of office as the third Deputy President of Kenya on November 1, 2024, the crowd erupted in cheers.

“The moment is finally here,” shouted Kenneth Mugambi, a Kindiki supporter from Nanyuki. “This should have happened two years ago, but it is still a great moment for us,” he added.

Kindiki was stepping in to succeed Rigathi Gachagua after a dramatic impeachment process that unfolded just two years into Gachagua’s tenure.

In the lead-up to the 2022 General Election, Kindiki was viewed as the ideal candidate for President Ruto’s deputy, but political intrigues ultimately handed the position to Gachagua, disappointing many Kindiki supporters.

After two years of a tumultuous political relationship between Ruto and Gachagua, the mantle was finally passed to Kindiki.

Analysts suggest that the rise of the former Tharaka Nithi Senator and Interior Cabinet Secretary to the second-highest office in Kenya is a testament to Kindiki’s largely understated political strategy, resilience, and a reflection of President William Ruto’s strategic calculations.

Now, 100 days into his tenure, Kindiki’s deputy presidency presents a compelling narrative of commitment to service delivery, loyalty, serious ambition, and a man skillfully navigating Kenya’s fractious political landscape.

As we reflect on Kindiki's first 100 days, we spotlight his achievements and how he has sought to define his role in a government grappling with economic pressures, public discontent, and the usual internal power struggles characteristic of any political environment.

Choosing Kindiki as his principal assistant was largely seen as Ruto’s strategy to secure a reliable partner to advance his development agenda and consolidate political support.

Unlike his predecessor Gachagua, whose tenure was marked by controversy and public criticisms aimed at the president, Kindiki has positioned himself as a loyal and disciplined deputy focused on development rather than political theatrics.

In his inaugural speech, he pledged unwavering support to Ruto, declaring, “I promise you before this congregation and before God that I will not let you down for the privilege given me.” This strategic loyalty has been a defining feature of Kindiki’s early days in office.

At a recent meeting with Embu leaders at his residence in Karen, the former Senate Majority Leader clarified that he would continue to offer support rather than oppose the president.

“Or would you advise me to start fighting the president who is supposed to help us deal with our development issues?” the Deputy President asked. “No,” the crowd of about 1,500, including MCAs, MPs, religious leaders, youth, community leaders, and professionals, roared back.

“My work as Deputy President is to support the President, fight for him, and complement efforts to improve the lives of Kenyans. I ensure government projects are implemented as planned. I coordinate with Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and other officials to ensure work is done on time. Those telling me to oppose the President are addressing the wrong person,” he told Tharaka Nithi delegates.

In all his pronouncements, Kindiki has consistently echoed Ruto’s messaging, emphasising the administration’s commitment to economic recovery, national unity, and inclusive governance.

His calm demeanor and academic background have also lent credibility to the government’s efforts to project an image of competence and stability.

Following the Gen-Z-led protests in the middle of last year, President Ruto expressed frustration with the government’s communication strategy. At the KICC on Kindiki’s inauguration day, the president expressed optimism that his deputy would help ease the communication burden he had previously carried alone.

In his first 100 days, Kindiki has been at the forefront of communicating government projects, programs, and policies. So committed to the communication task, he has convened county-based forums at the official Deputy President residence in Karen to engage with the government agenda.

So far, Taita Taveta, Embu, Isiolo, Samburu, Tharaka Nithi, and Kajiado have participated in the discussions, with more scheduled.

In addition to explaining government plans at these meetings, which bring together leaders from various interest groups and parties, the Deputy President has been forming county development oversight teams to meet with him regularly. These teams report on priority project proposals from each constituency.

“I should be able to come back to you once a year to explain progress on what has been achieved, what might take longer, and what has not been achieved, and why,” Kindiki promised Taita Taveta delegates during their forum.

The President’s assistant has also toured various counties to inspect ongoing government projects in a bid to resolve any issues that could be delaying them.

“My job is to coordinate the implementation of government projects and unlock any issues that could be hindering progress, then invite the president to come and launch them when they are complete,” Kindiki explained to Kieni residents last week.

He had just inspected construction work at the Endarasha-Charity-Gakanga-Embaringo-Kimunyuru and Mweiga-Amboni-Mbondeni-Ruiru-Karandi road.

 “Today, I bring good news. President Ruto has stabilized the economy, and now we have funds to revive this road and all the stalled roads in Nyeri County and across the country,” the Deputy President explained.

Kindiki’s tenure as Interior Cabinet Secretary was marked by significant achievements, particularly in security and governance.

As Deputy President, he has sought to build on this legacy, leveraging his expertise to address some of Kenya’s most pressing challenges. One of his key achievements has been the continuation of efforts to combat banditry and insecurity in the Northern Rift region.

During his time as Interior CS, Kindiki oversaw the modernisation of police equipment and the implementation of reforms aimed at improving the efficiency of Kenya’s security services. These efforts have continued under his deputy presidency, with reports indicating a notable reduction in bandit attacks and improved coordination among security agencies.

Kindiki has also championed initiatives to enhance national cohesion and inclusivity. In his maiden speech as Deputy President, he emphasized the importance of creating a “more inclusive Kenya, a more democratic Kenya, and a more transformed Kenya” under his rallying call of One Nation, One People, One Flag.

This call has been backed by concrete actions, including supporting the push for recognition of minority groups and stateless communities like the Pare of Taita Taveta to ensure they receive Kenyan citizenship and associated rights.

When he met leaders from his home county of Tharaka Nithi, he urged them to refrain from dragging him into local politics, emphasising that he serves the entire county, including his home area.

“I assure the people of Kenya and Tharaka Nithi that they will benefit fully from this administration. It is not about one county losing for another to benefit; we can all win.”

Also defining his deputy presidency is his delicate balancing act. On one hand, he seeks to project an image of stability and competence, leveraging his academic background and calm demeanor to reassure Kenyans of the government’s commitment to good governance.

On the other hand, he must navigate the complexities of a political landscape where loyalty often comes at the expense of personal ambition and public accountability.

In December last year, he took a two-week leave to rest after a two-year stint at the Ministry of Interior, where he had not enjoyed such breaks due to the nature of the assignment.

His conspicuous absence from the New Year’s Eve address and the burial of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s mother raised questions about his standing within the Ruto administration. Kindiki dismissed the rumors as unfounded but did not dwell on them.

For observers, it has become clear that Kindiki is striving to carve out a distinct role for himself as Deputy President, rather than as a co-president.

While he has accompanied the president to some public events, he has also lined up several independent activities to support Ruto’s work and often skips presidential functions to focus on these complementary programs. This approach asserts his independence without alienating his boss.

As a tough negotiator, Kindiki is known for having broken the ice between President Uhuru Kenyatta and President Ruto, culminating in a meeting between the two. He has argued that Uhuru remains an important link in the governance of the country, especially in the face of major national challenges.

The law professor was also instrumental in reaching agreements with striking medics and university lecturers.

As Kindiki marks his first 100 days in office, many Kenyans are left wondering whether he will be able to sustain his momentum and deliver on the promises of his deputy presidency.

As he looks ahead to the remainder of his term, Kindiki will need to strike a delicate balance between loyalty to President Ruto and the demands of public accountability.

Whether he succeeds in this endeavour will determine not only his legacy but also the future of Kenya’s political landscape.