Kithure Kindiki: Ruto's former ICC lawyer's rise from academia to Deputy President

The nomination of Kindiki as the country’s second in command is a culmination of the fallout between Ruto and his former deputy Gachagua.

Prof. Kindiki had come tantalizingly close to securing the deputy president position in 2022. The race to become then-presidential candidate William Ruto’s running mate had narrowed to Kindiki and Gachagua.

Despite a lengthy selection process that favoured Kindiki, Gachagua ultimately emerged as the chosen candidate to appear on the ballot alongside Ruto. This led Kindiki to publicly state that he would take a break from elective politics.

Born 52 years ago in Irunduni village, Tharaka Nithi County, Kindiki attended Irunduni Primary School and then Lenana School before graduating with a law degree from the University of Nairobi.

He later earned a Master's degree and a PhD from the University of Pretoria, returning to academia to teach law at Moi and Nairobi universities, while also serving as a visiting lecturer abroad.

Kindiki entered public service in 2008 when he was appointed Secretary for the National Cohesion and Reconciliation outfit by the late President Mwai Kibaki. He resigned after three months, citing a lack of political will to resettle victims of the 2007 post-election violence.

He gained national prominence when Ruto appointed him as part of his legal team during the International Criminal Court (ICC) proceedings concerning charges of crimes against humanity. Leveraging his visibility from the ICC trial, Kindiki transitioned to politics, successfully contesting the Senate seat for Tharaka Nithi in 2013 under the TNA party.

He won on his first attempt and served two terms, eventually rising to the position of Deputy Speaker during his second term.

However, as relations soured between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President Ruto, Kindiki faced challenges in the Senate and was subsequently impeached.

He has since served as Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration in President Ruto’s initial and restructured Cabinet.

Prof. Kindiki’s nomination as Deputy President was announced on Friday morning by Speaker Moses Wetangula during a communication to the National Assembly.

"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.

Prof. Kindiki will require approval from the National Assembly before assuming the role of Deputy President. The Assembly must vote on the nomination within 60 days of receiving it.

Once approved, Kindiki will be formally appointed by the President. Although the Constitution does not specify a timeframe for this appointment, it is expected to occur immediately after Parliament's approval.