Long walk ahead as Kindiki takes office of Kenya's Deputy President

President William Ruto and Deputy President designate Kithure Kindiki arrive for Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kwale Stadium on October 20, 2024. [File, Standard]

At exactly 10am Friday, Kenya’s third Deputy President will be sworn in at the steps of the iconic Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi. Abraham Kithure Kindiki will become the country’s third “Second-in Command” under the new Constitution.

The office he is assuming, however, faces an unprecedented heavy task of repairing broken political relations and returning the office back to its envisioned national standing.

The immediate former Interior Cabinet Secretary is tasked with rallying support for President William Ruto while uniting the Mount Kenya region, a challenging feat given the current heated political landscape.

Analysts suggest Kindiki is stepping into this role at a time when public trust in the government is shaky, with many citizens feeling disillusioned by unfulfilled promises, corruption, and the backdrop of abductions during his tenure at the Interior Ministry.

His exit from a ministry already marred by allegations of abductions, killings, and torture during a period of significant insecurity compounds these challenges.

Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has voiced strong opposition to yesterday’s court ruling that cleared the path for Kindiki’s swearing-in, indicating plans to appeal the decision and urging Kenyans to hold the Kenya Kwanza government accountable.

“The swearing in can later be nullified if the court finds that the IEBC was not involved. Judges have cleverly avoided the Constitution in making their ruling. They took shortcuts to their decision,” Maanzo said.

The High Court in Nairobi lifted orders blocking Kindiki’s swearing-in following Gachagua’s impeachment. These orders had been imposed by the Kerugoya High Court on October 18, 2024, in response to a petition by Kenyans David Munyi Mathenge and Peter Gichobi Kamotho, who argued that the matter was of “great national importance.”

A three-judge bench comprising justices Antony Mrima, Eric Ogola, and Freda Mugambi cleared the way for Kindiki’s assumption of office, scheduling a mention for November 7, 2024, allowing Gachagua to file an appeal.

“The applications for conservatory orders are hereby disallowed. The conservatory orders issued on October 18, 2024, in the Kerugoya High Court are hereby discharged and/or set aside. We grant leave for appeal,” the judges announced.

While some, like Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, who tabled Gachagua’s impeachment in Parliament, welcomed the court’s decision as a vindication for Kindiki, others like Maanzo remain skeptical.

“Let us now swear in Professor Kindiki Kithure and end the anxiety. Kenyans deserve services from their government,” Mutuse observed.

In contrast, Maanzo criticised the High Court for what he deemed a ruling based on technicalities contrary to the Constitution, lamenting, “We will appeal today at the Court of Appeal. The High Court bent the Constitution for political convenience.”

Political analyst Herman Manyora voiced concerns about Kindiki’s ability to unite Mount Kenya in support of Ruto.

“He should sit and enjoy the perks. The mountain is angry because they believe they were shortchanged by Ruto, and they are waiting for the right time to send him home,” Manyora observed. He added that Gachagua’s impeachment complicates Ruto’s standing in the region.

“In politics, they say one day is a long time, but for Ruto, something serious has to happen for him to regain votes in Mount Kenya or anywhere in this country,” Manyora opined, adding:

 “He should sit around, smile, and be a good boy. Gachagua and Ruto were not good boys. Kindiki is taking the seat at a very bad time,” he remarked.

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi emphasized that Kenya is larger than any individual, reminding tribal leaders of their  limited influence in a nation of over 50 million people.

“In Parliament, we never touched the mountain; we just ousted a selfish leader trying to box diligent and patriotic Kenyans into a tribal cocoon. The country needs a Deputy President who will unify the nation,” Sudi said.

Maanzo reiterated that while Parliament and the executive may pursue their agendas, the ultimate judges of political matters are the people.

“The only ones who can correct this are Kenyans. We cannot continue like this as if we don’t have a constitution. Every effort to avoid a full hearing and complete case is being watched by the world. Kenyans should seek justice by avoiding corrupt leadership,” he asserted.

Experts believe that Kindiki’s task will be to rebuild trust and support from the Mount Kenya region, which now feels marginalised under the current administration.

“The implications of his leadership could significantly impact both the region and Kenya’s broader political dynamics. However, Kindiki has been picked at the wrong time,” Manyora said.

While extending well wishes for former Deputy President Gachagua’s recovery, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot described Kindiki as a man of great character.

“Congratulations to a great man with a great soul. A leader who welcomed me to Parliament and nurtured me in the tumultuous world of politics. Godspeed as you take up the enormous task of deputizing President Ruto,” Cheruiyot said.

Former Bahati Member of Parliament Kimani Ngunjiri emphasised that Kenyans will ultimately decide in 2027.

“Kenyans observed the process and made their assessment. The power lies with Wanjiku. We wait for 2027,” Ngunjiri remarked.

Leaders say that it will be a tough task for Kindiki to ensure Ruto gets the support he received in the last general election.

Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji defended the Kenya Kwanza government, arguing that the unrest is more a reaction to the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua than a rejection of Ruto himself.

“Parliament is undertaking many actions that are unpopular with our people. They are going against the masses, and the Gachagua impeachment is just one of them,” Mukunji asserted.

Historian Macharia Munene observed that the public is growing weary of the current leadership, viewing the Gachagua impeachment as a distraction.

“The education and health systems are failing. People are struggling to find jobs. The administration seems disconnected from the needs of the citizens. This sentiment is felt not only in Mount Kenya but across the country,” Prof Munene explained. He noted that even professionals, businessmen, and religious leaders, who typically avoid political involvement, are now voicing their concerns as their clients and congregations suffer.

In a recent online video, Ruto’s ally, Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa, declared that he would not succumb to intimidation and would continue supporting the Kenya Kwanza administration.

“We are working towards uniting the country,” he said in the brief video.

And, speaking at a Nairobi hotel, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka expressed pity for MPs who impeached Gachagua saying they are afraid of even going back to face their constituents.