By Anderson Ojwang
It was only a matter of when and not why, where, what and how for the Professor of Law to assume the office of the Deputy President.
Prof Kithure Kindiki in his acceptance speech after the nomination of Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua as the running mate to President William Ruto two years ago, capped that God willing, he would soon rightfully sit at the top second powerful seat in the country.
“And I am not also satisfied by the process our party followed in identifying running mate. Secondly, what you have said is true, there was a variety of considerations in this process including opinion polls in which I led. There were also considerations including voting through the electoral college which I also won. However, God willing, we will have an opportunity for me to make it up to you. One day and that day will not be far away,”
After the 2022 victory, at Kindiki’s home backyard, the impeached deputy president after thanking the then internal security cabinet secretary predicted that Moi University alumni would one day land the top seat and finally it came to pass with a bitter taste on Rigathi.
‘I want to thank the Prof, the day the president was searching for a running mate. He observed that I was fully qualified and Prof was equally qualified. There emerged a stalemate. I am a worker, professor is also a worker. I am an honest person, professor is also an honest person. Stalemate, Over 17 hours. He asked us to sit down with the professor. I told the professor, that on age matter, I am older than you. Kindly leave this for me. If we get the leadership, you will get something big. Did it not happen? I want to thank the Professor for stepping down for me. Professor work closely with the president and me and you are still a young man, you will lead,’ Rigathi said.
In his first speech after swearing him, Kindiki said Kenya was the land of possibility and that he was the testament of such a possibility.
“Words may fail me to explain how grateful I am today. I will say I am grateful to the Almighty God. I am grateful to you sir for the honor to serve under you. I have been your political student for 20 years and you have helped me in my political space to grow,” he said.
“Throughout my journey culminating with this moment today, I have come to believe that Kenya is the country of possibility. Your Excellency, for a person like me to stand here today and take oath to the office of the Deputy President. It can only happen in Kenya. I was born in one of the remotest areas in Kenya. I am the most unlikely person but Kenya has made it possible for anybody to become something. Thank you very much and I am honoured,’ he said.
The Deputy President promised to serve the country and the President and swore to be loyal and provide President Ruto with assistance and support he may require and committed to remain faithful.
“Today, I have received the highest honour in my life and I don’t take it for granted. I commit, I will be loyal, faithful and work hard to lighten the burden you carry on your shoulder and make the country a better place,” he said.
The Deputy President thanked the various institutions for making the process a reality saying Kenya’s democracy has matured.
President Ruto said he was proud to witness the swearing of the third deputy president of Kenya under the 2010 constitution.
‘I am proud to witness the swearing-in of the honourable Abraham Kithure Kindiki as the third Deputy President of Kenya under the 2010 constitution. I know him as a dedicated professional committed to his call and a tireless public servant. Abraham is a patriot, nationalist, a preacher of unity and inclusivity which is beyond reproach.’
President Ruto said the new Deputy President was a loyal steward of the bottom-up agenda and for the two decades he has witnessed him succeed in various offices he has held.
“People of Kenya require a patriot. The Constitution is greater than any office and all must submit to the Constitution. I am honoured that he is available and ready to serve as my Deputy. My brother, welcome to the great service of Kenya,’ he said.
President Ruto challenged Kindiki to be the new voice of the government in articulating its development saying for the last two years, it has been lonely.
“I have been the lonely voice in the presidency. Help me speak. We have missed the voice for the last two years. You are eloquent, go out and speak out our government agenda,” he said.
He said his government will support every part of the country and no community will be excluded in its development agenda.
“We are not here to serve our communities, families, and villagers but Kenya. I heard you pledge on that. That is what Kenya expects of you to serve all without any bias or affection,’ he said.
Prime Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said Kindiki was a man of humility, a virtue Kenyans needed most to grow.
“In Kindiki, we see virtue, humility, and simplicity. He doesn’t walk with the air around him. That is the virtue that the nation needs to develop,” he said.
