Kindiki speaks on Rigathi Gachagua exit, 2022 Ruto DP contest
What you need to know:
- Prof Kindiki said he had no regrets about how he ascended to the DP’s office, a rise that came after Mr Gachagua’s impeachment.
- “My understanding of the role of DP is not to challenge the President,” he emphasized, adding that he must offer advice only when called upon. “When my counsel is sought, I must do it faithfully,” he said.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki downplayed any tensions with his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, stating that they remained friends despite Gachagua being removed from office to pave the way for him.
Prof Kindiki said he had no regrets about how he ascended to the DP’s office, a rise that came after Mr Gachagua’s impeachment.
“My understanding of the role of DP is not to challenge the President,” he emphasised, adding that he must offer advice only when called upon. “When my counsel is sought, I must do it faithfully,” he said.
When asked if he was proud of how he became Deputy President, Kindiki responded: “I have no regrets for occupying this space. I was indeed a front-runner for the DP position in 2022. I was not successful. Rigathi Gachagua was successful.”
He shared that after his initial loss, he considered stepping away from politics altogether. However, his party persuaded him to stay and take on other roles, particularly after their victory in the 2022 general elections.
When pressed about whether he sees himself as the political kingpin of the Mt. Kenya region, DP Kindiki hesitated and struggled to provide a clear answer.
There was no official handover from Rigathi Gachagua to Kithure Kindiki because, as Kindiki explained, the “matter is still in court,” making it unreasonable to expect Gachagua to hand over.
“I want you to allow me not to discuss my brother Rigathi Gachagua… it is not right… it is wrong to start comparing myself with my predecessor,” he said.
On whether he could be President William Ruto’s running mate in the future, he responded, “I wouldn’t know.”
Referring to President Ruto’s earlier remarks during his swearing-in about feeling like a “lone ranger” in the Cabinet, DP Kindiki admitted he could not gauge how Ruto might feel now that he has assumed office.
When asked about the possibility of running for the presidency in 2027, he dismissed the question as premature. “That question is an unfair question because I just landed in the second-highest office,” he said.
Prof Kindiki also rejected the notion that he was being overly cautious to avoid antagonizing anyone, adding that he did not believe the Deputy President’s seat was cursed. “I don’t believe any seat is cursed,” he stated firmly.
The political climate in the Mt Kenya region remains uneasy, with hostility toward the government evident in public gatherings such as burials and ceremonies, following Mr Gachagua’s impeachment.
Addressing this, Kindiki said, “A good leader is not popular all the time, but one who is popular at the right time.” He added that a time would come for a true test of popularity.
