President William Ruto has nominated Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as the next Deputy President.
His nomination follows after Senators voted to impeach Rigathi Gachagua Thursday night.
The announcement was made by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula in a communication to the House.
“Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 42(1), I wish to report to the House that today morning I have received a message from the President regarding the nomination of Kithure Kindiki to fill the vacancy which has occurred in the Office of the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya following the impeachment of the previous office holder,” stated Wetangula.
Gachagua‘s fate was sealed on Thursday, October 17, 2024, when the Senate approved five of the 11 charges the former Mathira Member of Parliament faced in an impeachment motion that originated from the National Assembly.
The nomination and final approval by Parliament will make Kindiki Kenya’s second DP under President Ruto.
Kindiki congratulated
The nomination of the former Tharaka Nithi County Senator as DP designate has generated reactions from Kenyans.
Kikuyu Member of Parliament (MP) Kimani Ichung’wah, who vocally supported Gachagua’s ouster, is among the first leaders to congratulate Kindiki.
“Congratulations, my brother Kitthure Kindiki, on your appointment as Deputy President. Serve diligently, selflessly, and with zeal to bring the country together under one flag and move the nation forward.
“Work tirelessly with dedication and purpose, striving to ensure progress, unity, and prosperity for all. Let the spirit of patriotism, inclusivity, and hard work guide you in this important assignment as we build a brighter future for our beloved country,” Ichung’wah’s X post said.
Anne Waiguru, Kirinyaga Governor, who had been tipped to succeed Gachagua, also congratulated Kindiki for his nomination.
“My brother, Professor Kithure Kindiki, my sincere congratulations. To you, history has placed honour and responsibility on only a few. May God guide you and HE William Ruto as you lead this great country to achieve its tremendous potential.
“To those who supported me for this position, I thank you. We must now dedicate our efforts to building a better Kenya under the leadership of HE William Samoei Ruto and HE Abraham Kithure Kindiki,” Waiguru said in a post on X on Friday, October 18, 2024.
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