The High Court ruling on 31 October 2024 that lifted conservatory orders barring the appointment of a new Deputy President (DP), marked the end of Rigathi Gachagua's tenure in office as the country's number two.
Gachagua's exit meant that his spouse lost her office and privileges as the country's second lady.
On 1 November 2024, Prof Kithure Kindiri was sworn in as the country's new deputy president, and subsequently, his wife, Dr Joyce Kithure, became the country's new second lady. But who is Dr Joyce?
Dr Joyce's Education and Career
Not much is known about her early and private life, in fact before her appearance during her husband's swearing, not many Kenyans knew about her.
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Dr Joyce is not a medical doctor, but rather an academician, she holds a PhD in Environmental Chemistry from the University of Nairobi (UoN )which she attained in 2013.
She also holds a Master's Degree in Science and a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Chemistry from the same university.
Prior to Kindiki's DP appointment, Dr Joyce served as a lecturer at the University of Nairobi at the Department of Environmental Chemistry. It is not clear if she'll continue teaching, now that she's ascended to a higher office.
Marriage and Family
The University of Nairobi don got married to Prof Kindiki in 2001. Back then, Kindiki was a lecturer in law at Moi University. He also lectured at UoN and served as a visiting lecturer abroad.
Joyce and Kindiki have been together for over 20 years, and she's been a critical pillar in the family and his academic and political career.
Together, they are blessed with three children namely; Imani, Neema, and Mwende.
Despite their father being a popular figure in the Kenyan political scene, the kids' lives have been extremely private.
During his inauguration, Prof Kindiki acknowledged the immense role his wife has played in his life, noting that despite being an accomplished professional, she has made sacrifices to ensure their kids are well taken care of.
Being a politician, Kindiki noted that there are days he's away on assignment, and others when he comes home late, but the wife has always stepped up and took charge of the family in his absence.
"Allow me to thank my wonderful wife Joyce Kithure, a professional in her own right who has sacrificed to raise our three children for the many days and nights of my absence. I'm grateful to my wife and children for being the foundation and providing support that I have always required as I navigate this difficult space," he said.
Dr Joyce the Second Lady
As the second lady, she'll be required to pick an initiative that her office will champion for the period she'll be in office.
Her predecessor Dorcas Rigathi concentrated on the interest of the boy-child with an emphasis on the fight against drug abuse.
