Kithure Kindiki sworn in

By Peter Ochieng

Professor Abraham Kithure Kindiki has become Kenya’s third Deputy President (DP) under the current constitution promulgated in 2010, after being sworn in on Friday.

His first two predecessors were William Ruto and impeached DP, Geoffery Rigathi Gachagua. Kithure was sworn in during a colourful event held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) grounds, in Nairobi.

The oath of office was administered by Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfrida Boyani Mokaya, and witnessed by Chief Justice Martha Karambu Koome, President Wiliam Ruto, First Lady Rachel Ruto and Kindiki’s wife, Joyce, among other dignitaries.

Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mbete Mwilu, Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, Members of Parliament and Senators were also in attendance.

Being a Christian, Kindiki swore with a Bible to uphold the constitution of the Republic of Kenya at all times.

“I Kithure Kindiki, in full realisation of the high calling I assume as Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Republic of Kenya, that I will obey, presence and defend this constitution of Kenya as by law established and all other laws of the republic. So, help me God,” he repeated behind Mokaya.

He took another oath pertaining to the execution of the office of Deputy President.

“I Kithure Kindiki, do swear that I will always truly and diligently serve the people of Kenya and the Republic of Kenya in the office of Deputy President. That I will diligently discharge my duties and perform my functions to the said office to the best of my judgement. That I will do justice to all without fear, favour affection or ill will and that I will not directly or indirectly reveal such matters as shall come to my knowledge. So, help me God.”

Until his nomination by President William Ruto two weeks ago, Kindiki was the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Interior and National Administration.

Kindiki’s swearing in came hours after the High Court on Thursday afternoon lifted orders barring the swearing in of the former Tharaka Nithi Senator.

In giving the greenlight, High Court judges Eric Ogolla, Fridah Mugambi and Anthony Mrima said that the current constitution does not envisage a situation where the DP position remains vacant.

“We are convinced and find that the current constitutional framework does not envision any scenario in which the office of the DP would remain vacant except during the brief period required to fill a vacancy,” ruled Justice Ogolla.

Conservatory orders blocking Kindiki’s swearing-in were issued by a Kerugoya Court on October 18, a day after Senators voted in favour of the impeachment motion against Gachagua, which originated from the National Assembly.

Kindiki is set to become the ruling party, United Democratic Alliance’s deputy party leader in place of Gachagua.