'I will be loyal and faithful': Kindiki pledges support to President Ruto

Newly sworn-in Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has pledged unwavering support for President William Ruto and his administration.

In his maiden speech as Deputy President at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Friday, following his inauguration, Kindiki committed to assisting President Ruto in navigating the challenges of governance.

"I want to commit to you before this congregation and the almighty God that I will serve under you and provide you with the assistance and support you require to take this country to the next level. I commit that I will be loyal and faithful," said the DP. 

"I will try to the best of my ability to work hard together with my other colleagues to lighten the burden that you (Ruto) carry on your shoulders."  

Furthermore, Kindiki expressed deep gratitude to President Ruto for giving him the opportunity to serve Kenyans in the DP's capacity, adding that he has closely been following the head of state's political career and learning from him for over two decades.

"Words fail me to explain how grateful I am today. I am grateful to God who orders the steps and affairs of every human being on earth and I am grateful to you sir (Ruto) for the honour you have given me to serve under you," he said.

"Your Excellency, I have been your political student for nearly 20 years now and nothing in the political space has helped me to pick up lessons more than the years that I have walked and served around you in various capacities. Therefore I am grateful for the honour which you have given me."

Kindiki also noted that his appointment as Deputy President is the highest honour of his life and career.

"Today is a day when I have received the highest honour of my life and I don't take that for granted," he said.

"I want to pray that God will give me wisdom to do what I must and the colleagues who we have worked with and we continue to work with I want to say that I will provide continuity so that we can be able to all work together and deliver for this country."

Additionally, Kindiki acknowledged the recent political developments in Kenya as indicative of the maturity of the nation's democracy, noting the effectiveness of its institutions.

“Whatever has happened in the last few weeks is a testament that our institutions work,” he said, echoing sentiments shared by Prime Cabinet Secretary (CS) Musalia Mudavadi who spoke before him.

"I am grateful for the Kenya that we live in today in the past and the present. I am grateful to those who fought for this constitution and I am grateful to all heroes of our country in the past and the present."