Kindiki's First 100 Days

When Prof. Kithure Kindiki joined President William Ruto's Cabinet in 2022, he wore a cloak of composure, embodying a stark disdain for chaotic and intrusive politics. As an adept equilibrist, he steered the Interior Ministry with precision.

Even after assuming his new role as Kenya's second-in-command in October—following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua—he has maintained the same measured approach.

For a position that demands an optimum level of politicking and public engagement, Kindiki seemed discomfited as he had to play the role of his crown. An arduous task that needed him to shed his composed skin and adapt to State customs.

His silence was notable as 2024 approached its end as he remained absent from several high-profile public events, forcing a section of Kenyans online to question his whereabouts as some remained hopeful that he was the man to bring calm at the nation's helm.

He resurfaced on January 4, 2025 at a wedding in Tigoni, dismissing speculation about a potential fallout with President Ruto, insisting that his absence was due to a short holiday.

Two days later, he made his first joint public appearance with Ruto, where he saw off the Head of State as he headed to Ghana to attend President-elect John Dramani Mahama's swearing-in ceremony.

The adroit lawyer maintained his collected nature addressing public gatherings with aplomb, seemingly staying put and not willing to indulge in the murky world of politics.

After resurfacing from his silent stint, he went after his predecessor’s jugular, condemning how he heckled leaders in Embu during a political event.

Gachagua had called out leaders for their silence on the spiking abductions, a move that invoked Kindiki’s swift rebuttal.

Kindiki accused Gachagua of incitement and warned him against propagating division, leaving many dazed on his brazen political move.

Weeks later he affirmed his loyalty to President Ruto, telling off critics urging him to challenge his boss on unpopular policies.

While meeting a delegation from Tharaka Nithi County in Nairobi, Kindiki said a government official cannot “sabotage” the administration they are serving.

“Those telling me to oppose the President like other people are wrong. Maybe they are looking for the wrong person, not me!” he said.

He further defended Ruto’s administration, claiming the Head of State has done much more since his 2022 election than former President Mwai Kibaki did in his first five-year term between 2002 and 2007.

The DP further, on January 31, took on Gachagua in his Nyeri backyard asking him to stop politicking to pave the way for development in the Mt. Kenya region.

Kindiki, the only man from the presidency to set foot in Gachagua's home county since his impeachment, told the former DP to cease his political brawl with the State.

“For now, the government is focused on solving matters affecting Kenyans. We don't have time for quarrels and fights,” he said.

On February 3, he urged critics to assess Ruto's administration fairly, claiming that the government has made significant progress in its first two years in office.

He urged detractors to give the government time to carry out its plans rather than engaging in endless political debates.

“Between one election and another, we have work to do. Countries that have delivered development to their people understand that politics cannot be played forever.

For Kindiki, performance is of more importance than politicking but after his brazen entry into the murky political waters, the question remains is he still moving with stealth, carefully launching ammunition at his political prey or has he evolved to simply doing what the "Romans" do?