Ruto: Why I chose Kindiki as Deputy President

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), the president noted that Kindiki had shown great professionalism in his previous roles as Interior CS, former Tharaka Nithi Senator and Senate Majority Leader. 

Ruto noted that Kindiki's leadership skills will be integral in assisting his administration to implement the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). 

"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."

The president acknowledged that the Deputy Presidency ought to unite all Kenyans and not serve one's selfish interests, a clear swipe at Gachagua who was a constant advocate for the Mt Kenya region. 

"At this stage of implementation cycle of our Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda, the people require a patriotic public servant and a consummate champion of our constitutional dispensation," he explained. 

"He (Kindiki) has told me he is ready and I know he is willing to serve as my deputy. We're not here to serve ourselves, or our families or our regions, or communities, we're here to serve the people of Kenya."

The president implored his new deputy to take up his new role and assist him in implementing government policies. 

"Serve without ill-will, affection or without fear so that Kenyans can know that we have one nation, one country, one people and called upon to serve them without bias or favour," he noted. 

"This moment calls for an individual who takes pride in a job well done and is humble enough to be a loyal servant of the people and selfless enough to reach out and mobilise the government towards delivery for Kenya and experienced enough to understand the importance of engaging all sectors of our economy and committed to serve with professionalism and integrity."

This marks the first time that the head of state has spoken publicly about his choice of Kindiki as new DP and a clear distinction of his differences with his former deputy, Gachagua. 

Kindiki has now become the third deputy in Kenya since the promulgation of the Constitution in 2010.