Kithure Kindiki is set to assume office as the next Deputy President of Kenya, following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua.
A seasoned politician and legal scholar, Professor Kindiki rise to the second-in-command has been met with widespread excitement, especially in Irinduni Village in Tharaka Nithi.
Before his nomination to the Office of the Deputy President, Kindiki was the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, and he will officially take over the office once he is sworn in.
While many know the soft-spoken politician for his sharp legal mind, there are many lesser-known facts about him that offer a fuller picture of his journey to the top position.
Here are some interesting facts about Kindiki Kithuru, the incoming Deputy President.
Son of a pastor
Kithure Kindiki was born in 1972 in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya, and grew up in a deeply religious household. His father was a pastor, and this greatly influenced his upbringing, and instilled key values such as humility, servant leadership, and a strong moral compass.
The new Deputy-President elect often credits his faith and his upbringing for the discipline and dedication he has shown in his public service. It is not uncommon to hear him speak about the importance of faith, family, and service, key pillars that continue to shape his political life.
Lenana School alumni
Kithure Kindiki is an alumnus of Lenana School, one of Kenya’s most prestigious national schools, based in Nairobi County. His time at Lenana helped shape his academic and leadership capabilities, and it provided an environment that shaped his intellectual growth.
The school’s culture of leadership and responsibility undoubtedly played a role in molding Kindiki’s leadership approach, which emphasizes calm, steady decision-making and a non-antagonistic style of handling both political and legal matters.
Other notable figures who attended Lenana School include Wafula Chebukati, Malik Obama, Joseph Mucheru, and Richard Leakey.
Got a PhD at just 33
Kithure Kindiki’s academic achievements are as impressive as his political career. At just 33 years old, he earned a PhD in International Law from the University of Pretoria, South Africa.
His doctoral work focused on international criminal justice, an area that would later become central to his legal career. His PhD opened doors for him to teach at the University of Nairobi, Moi University, and a visiting foreign scholar for international universities.
His expertise in international law, particularly in areas related to human rights and justice, would later prove instrumental in his political career, including during his work as a defense lawyer for both Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto at the ICC.
He is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya
Before venturing into politics, Kindiki had a successful career in the corridors of justice. He is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, meaning he is qualified to represent clients in the country’s highest legal forums.
His legal expertise spans constitutional law, human rights law, and international law, areas where he has made significant contributions both as a scholar and a practicing lawyer. He has handled major cases and represented prominent individuals, which has solidified his profile as one of Kenya’s most respected legal minds.
Prof. Kithure Kindiki, holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from Moi University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from Kenya School of Law, a Masters of Law (LL.M) degree, and a Doctorate in International Law (PhD Int.Law) from the University of Pretoria in South Africa.
He is a family man
Despite his illustrious public life, Kithure Kindiki is a family man. He is married to Joyce Kithure, and together they have three children. His family has been key pillar throughout his career, providing him with the balance and strength needed to navigate the pressures of politics and public service.
Though he has kept his family private, Kindiki often speaks about how his family helps him stay grounded amidst the intense demands of leadership.
Distinguished legal scholar
Before he joined politics, Kindiki made a name for himself in academia. He served as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Nairobi, where he specialized in international law.
His work in the academic world earned him a reputation as a distinguished legal scholar. Kindiki’s deep knowledge of international criminal justice, human rights, and constitutional law allowed him to shape discussions on important national and global legal issues.
Kindiki’s academic background informs his approach to policymaking, bringing a thoughtful and analytical perspective to his role in government.
Served as Uhuru’s Lawyer in ICC
One of Kithure Kindiki’s most high-profile roles was serving as lead counsel for former President Uhuru Kenyatta during his trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
The trial, which stemmed from the 2007-2008 post-election violence, was a significant moment in Kenya’s political history. Kindiki’s work in defending Kenyatta helped to elevate his status as one of the country’s top legal minds.
Representing a sitting president in such a complex international case required not only legal expertise but also diplomacy and political acumen. Kindiki’s role in the case solidified his position as a trusted advisor within Kenya’s political elite, and it laid the groundwork for his later transition into high-level politics.
Served as senator for two terms
Soon after gaining popularity as then President Uhuru Kenyatta’s lawyer, Kindiki threw his hat into the political arena. In 2013, he was elected the first Senator for Tharaka-Nithi Country, and he quickly established himself as a diligent and effective legislator.
Kindiki was re-elected for a second term in 2017, showing the level of trust his constituents placed in him. As Senator, Kindiki advocated for devolution and worked tirelessly to ensure that counties, including his own, received their fair share of resources.
He served as Senate Majority Leader & Deputy Speaker
Kindiki’s leadership qualities were soon recognized, and he was appointed Senate Majority Leader, a role he held from 2013 to 2020. As Majority Leader, he was instrumental in shaping legislative agendas and steering key government policies through the Senate.
In addition to his role as Majority Leader, Kindiki also served as Deputy Speaker of the Senate from 2017 to 2022. These leadership positions highlighted his ability to handle high-pressure situations with calm and composure, qualities that be critical as he takes up his new position as the second-in-command.
Serves as Interior Cabinet Secretary
Since 2022, Kithure Kindiki has served as the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and National Administration. In this role, he has been responsible for overseeing Kenya’s internal security and managing critical government operations.
His time as Interior Cabinet Secretary has been marked by efforts to strengthen the country’s security apparatus and ensure the safety of all citizens.
During the recent cabinet reshuffle following the Finance Bill protests, Kindiki is the only cabinet secretary who retained his docket he was appointed since the Kenya Kwanza regime took power.