Abraham Kithure Kindiki (born 17 July 1972) is a Kenyan politician and lawyer who is currently serving as the 3rd deputy President of Kenya since 1 November 2024. He assumed this office following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua.[1] Before becoming Deputy President, he served as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior from 22 October 2022 to 31 October 2024 under President William Ruto, and he represented Tharaka-Nithi County in the Senate of Kenya from 2013 until 2022.[2] He assumed office as the third Deputy President of Kenya under the new 2010 constitution.
Kithure Kindiki | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 13th Deputy President of Kenya | |
| Assumed office 1 November 2024 | |
| President | William Ruto |
| Preceded by | Rigathi Gachagua |
| Cabinet Secretary for Interior | |
| In office 22 October 2022 – 31 October 2024 | |
| President | William Ruto |
| Preceded by | Fred Matiang'i |
| Succeeded by | Musalia Mudavadi (acting) |
| Senator of Tharaka-Nithi County | |
| In office 4 March 2013 – 9 September 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Mwenda Getaya |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Abraham Kithure Kindiki 17 July 1972 Tharaka, Meru District, Eastern Province, Kenya |
| Political party | United Democratic Alliance (2021–present) |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Lenana School |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupation | Politician, lawyer |
Early life and education
editKindiki was born and raised in Meru District. Kindiki attended Lenana School[3] where he scored Grade C in his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). Since this grade failed to meet university pass mark he decided to retake the exam at Tharaka Boys High School, in the then Meru District.[4]
In 1998, he obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) from Moi University. In 2000 he obtained a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Human Rights Law and Democracy from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. He also attended the Advocates' Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies at the Kenya School of Law in 2001, which is a requirement for one to qualify as an advocate after completing a bachelor's degree in law. In 2002, he graduated with a PhD in International Law from the University of Pretoria.[5]
In 1999, he began working as a law lecturer at Moi University. He started working at the University of Nairobi in 2004 and remained there until 2005 when he returned to Moi University to lead the public law department.[6]
Political career
editSenate
editIn the 2013 Kenyan general election, Kindiki was elected to represent Tharaka-Nithi County in the Senate.[7] He was chosen to serve as the Senate's first majority leader.[8] He was reelected in the 2017 election, and was chosen to be the Deputy Speaker of the Senate. In 2020, Kindiki was impeached from the position of deputy speaker.[9]
Cabinet
editKindiki was among the top candidates considered to be William Ruto's running mates for his presidential campaign. Member of Parliament Rigathi Gachagua was chosen instead.[10] Kindiki was instead appointed to serve as the Minister of Interior.[11] Mwenda Gataya succeeded him as Tharaka Nithi senator.[12] Kindiki was dismissed from the cabinet on July 11, 2024, but was reappointed back to the cabinet on July 19, 2024, as the Cabinet secretary for Interior and Administration of National Government.
Key among his achievements include: streamlining of e-passport issuance procedures and restoration of the supply of passport booklets, the Police Equipment Modernization programme significantly enhancing the capabilities of Kenya's security services; finalization of a strategic framework to commence implementation of Police Reforms recommended by the Hon. Justice David Maraga Taskforce; abolishment of the previous vetting processes for issuance of National Identity cards; recognition of minority groups and stateless communities ensuring they receive Kenyan citizenship and associated rights; operationalization of the Public Benefit Organizations Act; enhancing the fight against banditry and general insecurity around the country; development of a legislative proposal to amend the National Government Coordination Act of 2013 to officially recognize village elders in each unit; and enrolment of 13,120 inmates into formal education programs; among others.
Kindiki was nominated by President Ruto to become deputy president following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua on 17 October 2024 and received the approval of the Senate. However, his assumption of the position did not push through after the High Court ordered a temporary halt to Gachagua's removal on 18 October pending a hearing on 24 October 2024.[13] On October 31, 2024, the Nairobi High Court overturned another court's order to stay Kithure Kindiki's swearing-in.[14]
Deputy President
editOn 1 November 2024, following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua, Kithure Kindiki was officially sworn in as the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya. He assumed the role under the administration of President Ruto.[15]
Personal life
editHe married Joyce Gatiiria Njagi in 2001. They have three children.
References
edit- ^ "Prof Kithure Kindiki". nation.africa. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
- ^ "President Ruto appoints 22 Cabinet Secretaries, Attorney-General and Secretary to the Cabinet". The Standard. Retrieved 2022-10-28.
- ^ "Prof Kithure Kindiki". Nation. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
- ^ "Where Senator Kithure Kindiki overcame grade C". Standard Media. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
- ^ "Prof Kithure Kindiki". Nation. 2022-05-14. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
- ^ "Prof Kithure Kindiki". Nation. 2022-05-14. Retrieved 2022-10-28.
- ^ "Sen. Kindiki Kithure". www.parliament.go.ke. Retrieved 2023-09-04.
- ^ "Prof Kithure Kindiki". Nation. 2022-05-14. Retrieved 2023-01-16.
- ^ "Senator Kithure Kindiki loses seat as senate deputy : KTN News". www.standardmedia.co.ke. Retrieved 2020-05-22.
- ^ "Kindiki Says He'll Submit To Former Competitor DP Gachagua". Citizen Digital News. 18 October 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
- ^ "High hopes for Tharaka Nithi residents as Prof Kindiki takes over Interior ministry". Nation. 2022-10-29. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
- ^ "Four in tough battle to fill Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki's 'big shoes'". Nation. 2022-07-19. Retrieved 2023-09-04.
- ^ "Kenya: High Court issues order halting replacement of Rigathi Gachagua as DP". Africanews. 2024-10-18. Retrieved 2024-10-18.
- ^ "Kenyan Court approves new Deputy President". Africanews. 2024-10-31. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
- ^ "Kenya's new deputy president sworn in as his predecessor challenges his impeachment in court". Africanews. 1 November 2024. Retrieved 2024-11-01.