DP Kindiki urges Kenyans to embrace unity, desist divisions

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has lauded the democracy anchored in the country’s Constitution after the recent protracted Parliamentary and Judicial tussle over his assumption to office.

Making his entry address on Thursaday--a week after he was sworn-in--Prof Kindiki urged Kenyans to embrace unity and desist divisions so as to spur development growth.

“I have had occasion in the past few days to ponder on how the orderly transfer of authority as called for in our Constitution takes place seamlessly in our country. I realise that my ascent to the office of Deputy President has taken place on the back of a hotly contested constitutional process. For weeks, the country was glued to Parliamentary and Judicial events, whose completion was testament to our country’s democratic credentials and the integrity of our constitutional institutions,” Prof Kindiki said.

He was addressing journalists at Harambee House in Nairobi on Thursday.

His predecessor, Mr Rigathi Gachagua was in October 2024 impeached by Parliament – the National Assembly and Senate – but challenged his removal from the top office and replacement.

A three-bench judge lifted Prof Kindiki’s swearing in, arguing that the position of Deputy President should not remain vacant in accordance with the country’s Constitution.

“As we reflect on our challenges, let us capitalize on the jolting of these challenges to write a new, better and brighter chapter for Kenya. We should heal our divisions, solidify our national unity and pursue our country’s goals as brothers and sisters, joined by the permanent bonds of our common heritage and our common future,” Prof Kindiki said.

The DP promised to support President William Ruto in propelling the country’s transformation.

“I am humbled to be of service to this country as its Deputy President and to formally take the reins to support and assist President William Ruto and the team he leads towards the realization of his vision to deliver the transformation of Kenya,” he said.

Prof Kindiki also promised to assist Dr Ruto to defend and accelerate the implementation of the Bottom-Up Economic Agenda (BETA), an anchor pillar in which his administration was elected two years ago.

“I will work with my colleagues in the Cabinet as I have done in my previous role during the past two years as we look forward to opening a new chapter in our collective effort to deliver the economic transformation and empowerment of the people of Kenya to realize better standards of living,” he said.

He said President Ruto’s administration has made major strides towards the transformation of the food security situation, health, education as well as stabilizing spikes on prices of essential household commodities since September 2022.

The DP exuded confidence that the public-private partnership projects will cushion our Country from incurring unsustainable debt for financing the country’s development needs.

He reflected how he rose from a humble home background to clinching the country’s second-in-command position.

Prof Kindiki has served as a Law lecturer, legal practitioner, Senator, Majority Leader of the Senate, Deputy Speaker of the Senate, Interior Cabinet Secretary, before rising to the DP position.

“It remains astounding how a son of Kenya, born some 52 years ago in Tharaka, a remote part of the then Meru District and in a humble homestead of a rural clergyman and his housewife spouse could eventually get the opportunity to serve this country in the esteemed and high office of Deputy President of the Republic,” Prof Kindiki said.

“My assumption to the Office of Deputy President has presented me with an opportunity to reflect on our Country’s past, present and future,” he added.