Deputy President-designate Kithure Kindiki has been sworn in today as the substantive incumbent replacing his predecessor, impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at a public ceremony held today at the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) in Nairobi.
Effectively, Kindiki now becomes the country’s third Deputy President, succeeding Gachagua who was impeached on October 17, 2024.
In his inaugural speech after taking the oath of office, Kindiki expressed gratitude to President Ruto, whom he credited as his political mentor of over two decades.
“I am grateful to President Ruto for the honor he has given me to serve under him. I have been his political student for 20 years, and nothing in the political arena has taught me more than the years I have spent by his side.” Kindiki said.
“I promise you (President William Ruto) before this congregation and before God, that I will not let you down for the privilege you have given me.” He added.
Kindiki, who previously served as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, observed that the recent political developments underscored the maturity of Kenya’s democratic institutions.
“Whatever has happened in the last few weeks, and in the recent past, is a testament to the maturity of our democracy and a testament that our institutions work.” He said.
In line with the Assumption of Office ActKindiki took two oaths—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.
After taking the oaths shortly before 11 a.m., Kindiki 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. The Chief Justice’s seal was affixed to each oath by court officials before they were handed over to the Attorney General for safekeeping.
Following this, President Ruto was invited on stage by the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary for the ceremonial handover of the Constitution of Kenya to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
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.
The official ceremony began at 10:42 a.m. when the Judiciary mace was placed in the swearing-in arena at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.
Kindiki, accompanied by his wife Dr Joyce Kithure, took the oath of allegiance. His swearing-in ceremony was attended by President William Ruto, who led Kenyans in welcoming the new Deputy President.
Also present were the Speakers of the National Assembly and the Senate, Moses Wetangula and Amason Kingi, along with other political leaders.
Cabinet Secretaries attended, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. Members of the diplomatic corps were also present.
Yesterday, a three-judge bench lifted conservatory orders that had previously barred Kindiki from assuming office.
Gachagua made history as the first Deputy President to be impeached under Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.
