I've never been in business with government, says Kindiki as he defends record

Interior CS nominee Prof Kithure Kindiki before the Committee on Appointments at the Mini Chambers, County Hall, Nairobi. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Kithure Kindiki, the Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary nominee has defended his 21-month tenure at the Ministry of highlighting several achievements before his dismissal.

Kindiki denied ever getting into business with the government, when questioned about an increase of Sh150m in his net worth between 2022 and 2024.

"My active law firm and various business ventures have contributed to my net worth of Sh694 million, up from Sh544m when I took office. I assure the committee that I have not conducted any business with the government," Kindiki stated.

Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments on Thursday, August 1, the Interior CS nominee outlined his accomplishments, including the restoration of the police air wing, advocacy for salary increases, and the operationalisation of the National Police Service Leadership Academy.

"During my time at the Ministry, I oversaw the establishment of various taskforces aimed at streamlining the police service. These taskforces provided recommendations that require administrative, policy, and funding actions," he said.

Protests

Addressing the recent anti-Finance Bill and anti-government protests, Kindiki defended the deployment of the military to manage the unrest, asserting that their intervention prevented a potentially severe situation.

"The protesters breached Parliament's security and threatened to advance towards State House. Immediate action was necessary to control the situation," he explained.

If reinstated, Kindiki pledged to streamline the police service and foster improved relations between the National Police Service and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

Committee on Appointments Chair National Assembly's Speaker Moses Wetangula and his Deputy Gladys Boss. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Shakahola and Kware dumpsite killings

Kindiki attributed the Kware dumpsite murders to structural deficiencies within the Nyumba Kumi and National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) frameworks.

Regarding the Shakahola massacre, he emphasised that accountability lies with the police officers in office during the incident.

"I can account for the 632 days I served. I am proud to report a 75 percent reduction in banditry cases in Baringo and Samburu counties, a decrease in terror incidents, and improved stability in Northern Kenya and Lamu," he said.

Kindiki also defended the deployment of Kenya Police officers to Haiti.

He was among 21 Cabinet Secretaries dismissed by President William Ruto on July 11, 2024, for alleged incompetence.