Prof Kithure Kindiki was on Friday, November 1 sworn in as the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya.
In the event that was celebrated at KICC, Kindiki was accompanied by his wife Dr Joyce Njagi-Kithure as he took an oath of office and officially replaced Rigathi Gachagua who was impeached by Parliament last month.
Following the exercise, the 52-year-old becomes the third DP under the 2010 constitution of Kenya.
The Office of the DP becomes the highest office that Kindiki has occupied in his over 20 years of service in academia and public service.
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Here is the rise of Kindiki
Profession
Prior to joining politics in 2013, Kindiki worked in the legal profession for over 24 years.
The DP graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree from Moi University. Thereafter, he pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.
He also holds a Master of Laws degree and a Doctor of Philosophy in International Law from the University of Pretoria in South Africa.
Notably, given his background in law, he has taught in universities such as the University of Nairobi.
"He began his career as an Assistant Lecturer in Law at Moi University immediately upon graduating with an undergraduate law degree," Kindiki's profile reads in part.
"He then joined the University of Nairobi as a Lecturer, quickly rising to the position of Head of the Department of Public Law at the young age of 33 and then to the position of Associate Dean at the age of 35."
Political Career
Kindiki joined politics in 2013 when he was elected as the Senator of Tharaka Nithi County. He served as a senator for two terms.
In the Senate, he served in various leadership positions including Deputy Speaker of the Senate, as well as the Majority Party Leader in the Senate.
In 2022, he was among the leaders who were fronted to be the running mate of President William Ruto. However, Ruto opted for Gachagua.
Consequently, after the Kenya Kwanza administration got into power, he was appointed as Interior Cabinet Secretary.
Interior Docket
Following his appointment to the interior docket, Kindiki was tasked with leading various reforms in the Ministry which also encompasses security agencies such as the National Police Police Service (NPS).
"Kindiki has led and overseen the achievement of various milestones and reforms, including the Police Equipment Modernization Programme that has significantly enhanced the capabilities of Kenya's security services, the finalization of a strategic framework to commence implementation of Police Reforms recommended by the Hon. Justice (Rtd) David Maraga led Taskforce," read his bio in part.
Notably, owing to his integral part in the administration and close ties with Ruto, he was among the few CS that were retained in government when the Cabinet was dissolved early in the year.
Kindiki was nominated by Ruto nominated or the position of the DP after Gachagua was impeached by the National Assembly and the Senate.
Family and Networth
Kindiki and Dr Joyce have three children.
In his last vetting in Cabinet, the DP revealed that he was a networth of Ksh694 million.
" I have two homes one in Nairobi and one in Tharaka Nithi. I have land and building about Ksh235 million. My two homes are worth Ksh190 million. I also have savings in saccos and banks and I also do legal practice and that is it. I have vehicles of about Sh17 million," he stated then.
Awards
The DP holds major government awards including Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (EGH). This is the highest civilian honour and was conferred to him by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2015.
