When Professor Abraham Kithure Kindiki stood on the stage outside the Kenyatta International Convention Centre to take his oath of office as Kenya’s third Deputy President on November 1, 2024, the crowd erupted in applause.
“The moment has finally arrived,” exclaimed Kenneth Mugambi, a longtime Kindiki supporter from Nanyuki. “This was long overdue, but it’s still a great victory for us,” he added.
Kindiki assumed office following the dramatic impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua, which unfolded just two years into his tenure, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.
Before the 2022 General Election, Kindiki was widely considered the top choice for President Ruto’s running mate. However, political maneuvering saw the position go to Gachagua, leaving many of Kindiki’s supporters disappointed.
After two years of a tense and often rocky political relationship between Ruto and Gachagua, the transition finally brought Kindiki into the role of Deputy President.
Political analysts view Kindiki’s steady rise—from Tharaka Nithi Senator to Interior Cabinet Secretary and now Deputy President—as a reflection of his strategic patience, resilience, and President Ruto’s calculated political moves.
Now, 100 days into his tenure, Kindiki’s deputy presidency tells a story of commitment to service delivery, loyalty, ambition, and the ability to skillfully navigate Kenya’s often turbulent political terrain.
As we examine Kindiki’s first 100 days in office, we take a closer look at his accomplishments and how he has shaped his role within a government grappling with economic challenges, public dissatisfaction, and internal political power struggles.
Ruto’s decision to appoint Kindiki as his principal assistant was widely seen as a strategy to ensure a dependable ally who would help drive his development agenda and strengthen political unity.
Unlike his predecessor Gachagua—who frequently made controversial remarks and openly criticized the president—Kindiki has positioned himself as a disciplined and development-focused deputy, steering clear of unnecessary political drama.
In his inaugural speech, he pledged absolute support for Ruto, declaring, “I assure you before this assembly and before God that I will not let you down for the privilege bestowed upon me.” This public commitment has been a defining characteristic of his early days in office.
During a meeting with Embu leaders at his Karen residence, the former Senate Majority Leader emphasized that his role was to support the president rather than challenge him.
“Would you suggest that I start opposing the president, who is the key to delivering on our development goals?” Kindiki asked.
“No!” came the resounding response from a gathering of about 1,500 attendees, including MCAs, MPs, religious leaders, professionals, and youth representatives.
“As Deputy President, my job is to support the president, advocate for him, and help implement policies that improve the lives of Kenyans. I oversee government projects, collaborate with Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries, and ensure that planned initiatives are executed efficiently. Anyone expecting me to work against the president is mistaken,” he told Tharaka Nithi delegates.
Throughout his speeches, Kindiki has consistently reinforced Ruto’s vision, emphasizing economic recovery, national unity, and inclusive governance.
His composed demeanor and academic background have also helped bolster the government’s image, presenting an administration focused on stability and expertise.
Following last year’s Gen-Z-led protests, President Ruto expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s communication strategy. During Kindiki’s inauguration at KICC, Ruto voiced confidence that his new deputy would ease the burden of government messaging.
In his first 100 days, Kindiki has taken the lead in explaining government projects, policies, and programs. He has organized county-based forums at the Deputy President’s residence in Karen, engaging stakeholders to communicate the government’s agenda.
So far, delegations from Taita Taveta, Embu, Isiolo, Samburu, Tharaka Nithi, and Kajiado have participated, with more scheduled.
Beyond these meetings, Kindiki has established county development oversight teams, which report directly to him on key local projects. “I intend to return to each county annually to provide updates on what has been achieved, what remains pending, and the reasons behind any delays,” he assured Taita Taveta delegates.
The Deputy President has also visited various counties to inspect government projects and resolve any roadblocks hindering progress.
“My role is to coordinate the implementation of government projects, remove obstacles that slow them down, and invite the president to launch them once they are completed,” Kindiki explained to Kieni residents after inspecting road construction projects.
Standing at the Endarasha-Charity-Gakanga-Embaringo-Kimunyuru and Mweiga-Amboni-Mbondeni-Ruiru-Karandi roads, he declared, “I bring good news today. President Ruto has stabilized the economy, and we now have the funds to complete these stalled roads across Nyeri County and beyond.”
Kindiki’s tenure as Interior Cabinet Secretary was marked by notable achievements in security and governance.
As Deputy President, he has continued his efforts to enhance security, particularly in the Northern Rift, where banditry has long been a problem. Under his leadership, security forces have strengthened their operations, and reports indicate a significant reduction in bandit attacks.
During his time at the Interior Ministry, Kindiki led efforts to modernize police equipment and streamline security operations, reforms that remain a priority in his new role.
He has also championed national cohesion and inclusivity. In his inaugural speech as Deputy President, he reiterated his vision for “One Nation, One People, One Flag”—a call for a more united, democratic, and progressive Kenya.
This vision is being put into action through policies advocating for the recognition of marginalized communities, such as the Pare of Taita Taveta, ensuring they gain citizenship and associated rights.
Meeting with leaders from Tharaka Nithi, he urged them not to pull him into local politics, stressing that his mandate is national.
“Kenya and Tharaka Nithi will both benefit from this administration. It’s not about one region losing for another to gain—we all win together,” he affirmed.
Kindiki’s leadership style is defined by a careful balancing act. On one hand, he seeks to establish himself as a competent and stable leader, using his academic expertise to reassure Kenyans about the government’s commitment to good governance.
On the other hand, he must navigate the political complexities of loyalty versus personal ambition—knowing that defying expectations could cost him political capital.
In December, Kindiki took a two-week break—the first since he became Interior CS—raising speculation about his position within the administration. His absence from key events, including the New Year’s Eve address and the funeral of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s mother, fueled rumors of a rift. He dismissed these claims but chose not to dwell on them.
Observers note that Kindiki is carefully defining his role—not as a co-president, but as a reliable deputy.
While he has accompanied Ruto to key public events, he has also carved out independent initiatives that align with the president’s agenda while asserting his own leadership. This approach allows him to maintain autonomy without undermining Ruto’s authority.
A skilled negotiator, Kindiki played a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue between President Uhuru Kenyatta and President Ruto, helping mend their fractured relationship.
He has also been instrumental in resolving disputes with striking medical workers and university lecturers, demonstrating his ability to navigate high-stakes negotiations.
As Kindiki completes his first 100 days in office, many Kenyans are watching to see whether he will sustain his momentum and deliver on his promises.
Going forward, he will need to balance unwavering loyalty to Ruto with the demands of public accountability.
His success—or failure—will not only shape his legacy but could also redefine the future of Kenya’s political landscape.