NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has named his reasons for appointing Prof. Kithure Kindiki as his new Deputy President, a choice he highlighted for its focus on integrity, national unity, and administrative skill.
Speaking at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) during Kindiki’s swearing-in, Ruto laid out his rationale in his first public statement on the appointment since Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment proceedings began weeks ago.
Ruto praised Kindiki’s extensive career in public service, including his roles as Interior Cabinet Secretary, former Tharaka Nithi Senator, and Senate Majority Leader, noting that each position demonstrated Kindiki’s unwavering professionalism, competence, and capability.
The president pointed out that Kindiki’s “dedication, high competence, and consistent results” made him the ideal leader to advance the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), a central priority for the Ruto administration.
“Prof. Kindiki has proven, time and again, that he is committed to a vision of positive change,” Ruto said, citing Kindiki’s leadership background and scholarly achievements as reflections of his integrity and dedication to public service.
“At this stage of implementing our Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda, the people need a patriotic servant and an uncompromising advocate of our constitutional values.”
In a subtle but unmistakable critique of former Deputy President Gachagua, who often championed the interests of the Mt. Kenya region, Ruto asserted that the Deputy Presidency is a national role, not one for regional or personal advancement.
“We’re here to serve the people of Kenya, not ourselves, our families, or our regions,” he emphasized, adding that Kindiki’s focus would remain on serving the nation without bias or favoritism.
The president urged his new deputy to uphold the principles of service and humility, insisting that the role requires someone “who takes pride in a job well done, is humble enough to be a loyal servant of the people, and selfless enough to drive the government’s goals.”
Ruto expressed confidence in Kindiki’s capacity to engage diverse sectors of the economy and steer BETA’s goals effectively.
For Ruto, this choice marks a deliberate shift toward what he described as “a united, professional, and efficient administration.”
By appointing Kindiki, Ruto seeks to set a new tone for his leadership style—a stance he clearly sees as departing from his former deputy’s approach.
