NAIROBI – KENYA: Kenya’s Prof Kithure Kindiki has been sworn in as the third Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya under the 2010 Constitution, in line with the Assumption of Office Act.
Prof Kindiki took two oaths which included the oath of allegiance and the oath of due execution of the office of Deputy President during a ceremony presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre and proceeded to the ceremonial table, where he signed the oaths, committing to diligently execute his duties and perform his functions in accordance with the law.
The oaths were then transmitted to the Chief Justice, who countersigned them alongside the Deputy President and the Chief Justice’s seal was affixed to each oath by court officials before they were handed over to the Attorney General for safekeeping.
President William Somomei Ruto was then invited on stage by the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary for the ceremonial handover of the Constitution of Kenya to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and the ceremony concluded with a brief photo session featuring the President and his Deputy, followed by a photo with the Chief Justice, the First Lady and the spouse of the Deputy President.
While speaking at the function, President Ruto launched a veiled attack on his former Deputy Rigathi Gachagua, who was removed from office through impeachment by Parliament.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of new Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at Kenyatta International Conference Center, President Ruto expressed frustration over feeling like a lonely voice within the Executive, lacking support to effectively communicate his administration’s programs.
President Ruto however lauded Prof Kingiki intellectual capability and eloquence, saying that he needed his voice and hope that his intellect will help him and members of cabinet to profile and articulate the things to do.
The President emphasized that over the past two years, he had been left as the sole communicator of his government’s initiatives.
“I have almost become a lonely voice in the Executive, especially within the Presidency, speaking about our programs and elaborating on our work.” Ruto said.
In a personal appeal to Kindiki, Ruto expressed confidence in his new deputy’s ability to fulfil a role he felt was previously unmet.
“You are eloquent, my brother; you are intelligent, my brother. I’m confident that you will do what I have missed for the last two years. I know you will,” He stated.
This marked the first time President Ruto is hinting at what triggered the fallout with his Deputy, since the political onslaught that culminated in the impeachment of Gachagua.
President William Ruto has listed his reasons for selecting Kithure Kindiki to serve as his Deputy, following weeks of silence during Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment process, and Ruto noted that Prof Kindiki’s leadership skills will be integral in assisting his administration to implement the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda.
“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,” He said.
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,” Ruto explained.
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.”
Prof Kindiki who has now become the third deputy in Kenya since the promulgation of the Constitution in 2010 said that he will be loyal and faithful and pledged support to President Ruto.
In his maiden speech as Deputy President, Prof KKindikisaid that he is committed to assist President Ruto in navigating the challenges of governance.
“I want to commit to you before this congregation and the almighty God that I will serve under you and provide you with the assistance and support you require to take this country to the next level. I commit that I will be loyal and faithful,” Prof Kindiki said shortly after swearing I.
“I will try to the best of my ability to work hard together with my other colleagues to lighten the burden that you carry on your shoulders,” He said.
Furthermore, Prof Kindiki expressed deep gratitude to President Ruto for giving him the opportunity to serve Kenyans in the Deputy President’s capacity, adding that he has closely been following the Head of State’s political career and learning from him for over two decades.
“Words fail me to explain how grateful I am today. I am grateful to God who orders the steps and affairs of every human being on earth and I am grateful to you for the honour you have given me to serve under you,” He said.
“Your Excellency, I have been your political student for nearly 20 years now and nothing in the political space has helped me to pick up lessons more than the years that I have walked and served around you in various capacities. Therefore I am grateful for the honour which you have given me, ” He added.
Prof Kindiki also noted that his appointment as Deputy President is the highest honour of his life and career, which he does take for granted.
He said, “I want to pray that God will give me wisdom to do what I must and the colleagues who we have worked with and we continue to work with I want to say that I will provide continuity so that we can be able to all work together and deliver for this country”.
Prof Kindiki also acknowledged the recent political developments in Kenya as indicative of the maturity of the nation’s democracy, noting the effectiveness of its institutions.
“Whatever has happened in the last few weeks is a testament that our institutions work,” he said, while echoing sentiments shared by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi who spoke before him.
He said that he was grateful for the Kenya that we live in today in the past and the present and those who fought for this constitution and all heroes of Kenya in the past and the present.
