Ruto to DP Kindiki: I am sure you will do what I have missed for the last two years

President William Ruto and Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

President William Ruto on Friday congratulated his newly sworn-in deputy Prof Kithure Kindiki exuding confidence that he would thrive in his role.

While addressing Kenyans at KICC where the swearing-in ceremony took place, the Head of State said he had become a 'lonely boy' in the last two years and Kindiki's appointment was a breath of fresh air to the cabinet.

Perhaps taking a jab at his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, Ruto said he was confident that Kindiki would do what he had been missing since he became president.

"My dear Prof Kindiki, I need your voice, I need your intellect to help me and members of the cabinet to profile the things we are doing and to speak to the things we are doing.

"I have almost become a lonely boy in the Executive, especially in the presidency. Speaking about our projects and programs, and elaborating on what we are doing," said Ruto.

Adding: "You are eloquent and intelligent. I am confident that you will do that which I have missed for the last two years."

President William Ruto and DP Kithure Kindiki [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Kindiki took office at 10:50am on Friday, November 1, following a court ruling that lifted a two-week delay in the process.

He replaces Gachagua, who was impeached last month and has promised to uphold the Constitution and offer wise counsel to the President.

In his first speech as Deputy President, Kindiki said he was grateful to God for his new role and was also thankful to the president for giving him an opportunity to serve under him.

He added that he has been Ruto's political student for almost two decades and has picked up critical lessons from him.

"I promise that I will not let you down for the privilege you have given me...I am also grateful to all the institutions that facilitated this process.

"Whatever has happened in the last few weeks is a testament to the maturity of our democracy and that our institutions work," he said.

DP Kindiki also thanked his former colleagues in academia and reserved special praise for his wife Dr Joyce Kithure for her unwavering support.

"I want to pay tribute to four people who have made huge sacrifices, especially in the 14 years I have been in politics...I thank my wonderful wife Joyce Kithure, a woman who has sacrificed a lot.

President William Ruto and DP Kithure Kindiki with their spouses, First Lady Rachel Ruto and Dr Joyce Kithure. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

"A professional in her own right but who has sacrificed to raise our three children; Imani, Neema and Mwende. In many days and nights as I served the nation, I am grateful to my wife and children for providing the support that I have always required as I navigated this difficult space of public service," he said.