In 2022, Prof. Kithure Kindiki narrowly missed the chance to become Kenya’s Deputy President. Once again, the odds might have been stacked against him on Friday, as the High Court’s order may have halted his appointment. 

On Thursday night, the Senate upheld the National Assembly’s decision to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, technically removing him from office. However, hours later, the High Court ordered a temporary halt to Senate resolutions to uphold Gachagua’s impeachment.  

The High Court Judge Enoch Chacha Mwita had issued conservatory orders, citing significant constitutional questions and public interest.

In 2022, ahead of the August general election, Prof. Kindiki found himself in a heated political environment when William Ruto, then the presidential candidate for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), was required to pick a running mate.

A stalemate characterised by failed consensus building and opinion polls favouring Prof. Kindiki and Tharaka Nithi County was the order of the day at the official Deputy President’s residence in Karen, Nairobi, ahead of the nomination. This led to a college vote that favoured Prof. Kindiki. However, first-time MP Gachagua, who’d at the time been Mathira’s Member of Parliament, ended up being crowned as Ruto’s running mate.

The UDA strategy and research team conducted a first poll internally involving 10,000 respondents drawn from 10 Mt Kenya region counties. In that poll, Prof. Kindiki trounced Gachagua. A second poll was conducted nationwide in all 47 counties involving 25,000 respondents. Yet again, the professor trounced Gachagua. A third and final poll that involved only Central Kenya UDA MPs was conducted, and Prof. Kindiki triumphed.  

Media reports indicated that, out of the 31 Mt Kenya region UDA MPs present, 22 voted for Prof. Kindiki, five voted for Gachagua, two voted for Anne Waiguru, and one voted for Justine Muturi, with one rejected vote.

Additionally, media reports, which quoted reliable sources, indicated that Gachagua had quietly secured Ruto’s assurance that he was his ultimate choice for the position. What followed was Prof. Kindiki being dropped as the running mate, with Ruto claiming that Gachagua was charismatic, a mobiliser, and a great campaigner.  

Mt Kenya’s political landscape

The move now puts Prof. Kindiki at the centre of Mt Kenya region’s succession politics at a time when the region’s siblings from East and West are pulling apart.

In recent months, the Mt Kenya region has witnessed intense political activities. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua faced off against young politicians who are positioning themselves to fill the vacuum left by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.  

Additionally, leaders from Mt Kenya East which comprises Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi counties openly called on President Ruto to recognise Prof. Kindiki as the region’s political kingpin.

With Prof. Kindiki becoming the second-in-command, this signals President Ruto’s commitment to solidifying his base in Mt Kenya and potentially reclaiming lost ground after the ousting process of Gachagua.

Political pundits argue that with Prof. Kindiki as President Ruto’s face in the region, there might be a renewed opportunity for political engagement and representation. In early September, Members of Parliament from the Mt Kenya region, allies of President Ruto, endorsed Prof Kindiki as their link to the executive on development matters.

Several leaders from the region have also congratulated Prof. Kindiki on his new role. Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru, who was also a contender for the position of Deputy President, was among the first to congratulate Prof. Kindiki.

“My brother Professor Kindiki, my sincere congratulations. To you, history has placed an honour and responsibility accorded to only a few. May God guide you and HE William Ruto as you lead this great country to achieve its tremendous potential,” she said. Waiguru added that she was now focused on working towards a better Kenya.  

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah tweeted. “Congratulations, my brother Kindiki Kithure, 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.”

Tharaka Nithi County Governor Muthomi Njuki commended the President for the decision stating that it was a victory for the country and Prof. Kindiki will perform admirably in his new role.

Senior Adviser in the Council of Economic Advisors Moses Kuria appealed to the Agikuyu community to support Prof. Kindiki in his new position.

“My beloved House of Mumbi. In 2022, we paid external debts by voting for a non-Mt Kenya candidate. Time has come for us to complete the debt-paying season by paying our domestic debt through supporting our Meru and Embu siblings to lead us. History will judge us right. Take it from your economist, son,” he tweeted.

While Prof. Kindiki may be the preferred candidate, his appointment as the DP may also spark rivalries within the region. Political leaders who previously held significant influence may feel threatened, which may lead to factionalism. How Prof. Kindiki will navigate potential political challenges will be crucial in maintaining unity and support within the Mt Kenya region.