Ruto's Cabinet Secretaries praise Kindiki's nomination as DP-elect

President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki during a previous state function. [PCS]

Congratulatory messages have poured in for Kithure Kindiki following his clearance by the National Assembly as Deputy President nominee, pending his swearing-in.

Kindiki’s nomination came after the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has challenged the move in court.

On Thursday, Senators voted to remove Gachagua from office despite him being hospitalized at the Karen Hospital after he suddenly developed severe chest pain minutes before he took the witness stand to defend himself.

A week earlier, the National Assembly had voted to impeach Gachagua after Kibwezi West Member of Parliament Mutese tabled the impeachment motion with 11 charges among them gross violation of the constitution, undermining the presidency and dividing the country on tribal lines.

And after the affirmation of the impeachment by the Senate, President William Ruto nominated Kindiki who is the current Cabinet Secretary of Interior to take over Gachagua’s position.

His name was forwarded to the National Assembly on Friday morning for approval where 236 MPs voted in his favour.

“Honourable members, the vote for the nomination of Professor Kithure Kindiki to fill the vacancy of Deputy President is as follows: abstentions nil, no votes nil, and ayes 236. The vote is overwhelmingly yes,” Wetangula declared.

The Speaker added that the results would be transmitted to the president, and a gazette notice would be signed to formalise the nomination.

Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale praised Kindiki, saying, “Congratulations to my boss, Prof Kindiki. Your dedication to service has earned you this honour.”

Principal Secretary Interior Raymond Omollo stated, “Your relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering dedication to service have led to this well-deserved honour. I sincerely thank President William Ruto for placing this trust in you. I have no doubt you will continue to serve Kenya with integrity and vision.”

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah expressed confidence in Kindiki’s leadership, stating, “I have full trust in your leadership alongside President William Ruto to guide our country towards prosperity.”

Meanwhile, Gachagua has moved to court to block Kindiki's swearing-in, calling the impeachment process a sham and claiming MPs relied on fabricated charges.

His legal team, led by Senior Counsel Paul Muite requested an adjournment of the impeachment proceedings after Gachagua was taken ill and hospitalized but the Senate voted to proceed with the impeachment hearing.

An overwhelming two-thirds majority agreed with five out of the 11 charges sending Gachagua packing.

The High Court in Kerugoya issued an order halting Kindiki’s swearing-in, pending further court proceedings as Gachagua challenges his removal.