Loyalty: The tie that binds President Ruto and DP Kindiki’s long-standing friendship

The swearing-in of Prof. Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya marks the culmination of a long-standing relationship between him and President William Ruto.

Kindiki has been President Ruto's loyal friend and legal advisor for over two decades. This friendship has evolved into a unique and historic partnership in Kenya's presidency.

The Friday ceremony was familiar, like a meeting between friends, only that the two men exchanging these warm greetings were the President and his newly appointed deputy.

The warmth on display perhaps reflected the years of shared friendship and loyalty that have brought them to this historic moment.

President Ruto and Deputy President Kindiki have worked together both in and out of government, their relationship stretching back to Ruto’s early days as a young Member of Parliament.

Kindiki initially served as Ruto’s lawyer, a role he played prominently when the President and his predecessor faced criminal charges at The Hague.

When Ruto joined Uhuru Kenyatta in a presidential bid, Kindiki was part of the team that shaped the legal and ideological texts for the Jubilee Party, a coalition of over ten parties that successfully contested and won the presidency.

Kindiki remained by Ruto's side even when, as Deputy Speaker of the Senate, he was removed from office following the fallout between Ruto and then-president Uhuru Kenyatta.

Despite the challenges, Kindiki stayed loyal to Ruto and played a key role in crafting the political alliances for Ruto’s new political vehicle, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), which joined with other like-minded parties to form the Kenya Kwanza coalition.

His loyalty earned him a prominent role in the campaign, serving as Ruto’s Chief Agent during the presidential vote tallying at Bomas of Kenya.

After Kenya Kwanza's victory, Kindiki was rewarded with the position of Interior Cabinet Secretary, a role he held until his recent appointment as Deputy President.

As the third Deputy President of Kenya, Kindiki remains committed to the trait that has carried him this far - loyalty.

"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 to his boss during his swearing in.

"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."

This is a quality that President William Ruto is counting on from his longtime legal advisor, now turned Deputy.

"I can confirm that in all these roles, he has demonstrated exceptional dedication, high competence and professionalism and consistently delivered results beyond expectations," the President said. 

"He is a highly qualified and outstanding scholar whose career has been defined by exemplary achievement which demonstrates his vision for positive change and commitment to high standards of efficiency."

Now, Ruto and his deputy begin another chapter in their enduring relationship. Kindiki hopes that his tenure will not face the challenges his predecessors encountered and that the strong foundation of his relationship with Ruto will endure.