President Ruto appoints Kisre Kindiki as vice president

President William Ruto has appointed Minister of Interior Kisre Kindiki as his vice president.

The announcement was made early Friday morning, ending weeks of speculation following an impeachment motion against former Democrat Ligasi Gachagua.

The nomination is in line with Article 149 of the Constitution, which requires the president to nominate a candidate to fill the vacant post of vice president within 14 days.

Kindiki’s nomination follows yesterday’s ruling by Senate President Amason Kingi to declare the seat vacant following Gachagua’s impeachment.

Parliament is currently in special session, with Kindiki’s nomination being submitted for approval.

According to the constitution, candidates must be sworn in before the chief justice or, in the absence of the presiding judge, another judge, after being approved by the National Assembly.

Last month, Mt Kenya Western Region MPs endorsed Kisre Kindiki as Mr Ruto’s preferred point of contact, citing his ability to champion regional interests within central government.

Ahead of the 2022 general election, MPs had recommended Kindiki as Ruto’s running mate. The selection committee favored former Senator Tharaka Niti for his loyalty, experience and public record.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru was one of the first leaders to congratulate Kindiki on his nomination.

“My brother, Professor Kitule Kindiki, my heartiest congratulations. For you, history carries an honor and responsibility that has been bestowed upon only a few. You and President William Samoei Ruto May God guide you to lead and achieve your tremendous potential,” she said. she wrote on her social media account.

Waiguru, who is set to assume the post of vice president, also took to the stage to thank those who supported his candidacy.

“I would like to thank those who supported me for this position,” Waiguru said.

Kindiki’s profile
Until his recent appointment, Professor Kisre Kindiki was the Cabinet Secretary for Home Affairs and National Administration.

Kindiki has been in charge of the case since October 2022, with a brief hiatus from July 11 this year to August 8, when Ruto sent his entire cabinet to pack up. .

During his second review for the same Cabinet post, Mr. Kindiki cited various accomplishments at the helm of security affairs, including the implementation of various police reforms recommended by retired Chief Justice David Maraga.

He also oversaw the enrollment of more than 13,000 inmates in formal education programs and the elimination of the previous screening process for issuing national ID cards.

Kindiki had served as the Tharaka Niti district senator since 2013 before being appointed as CS.