On Friday, Kiture Kindiki was sworn in as Kenya’s new Deputy President after the country’s Supreme Court overturned an earlier ruling that had blocked his assumption of office.
The prior decision followed a series of lawsuits filed by supporters of Rigathi Gachagua, Kindiki’s predecessor, who was impeached by Kenya’s Senate on charges of constitutional violations and incitement to ethnic discord.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Kindiki pledged his commitment to the nation.
"I promise you, Mr. President, before this congregation and before God, that I will not let you down for this privilege you have granted me," he said.
He expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for the trust placed in him and reflected on his personal journey, describing himself as “the most unlikely person” to reach this position given his humble village origins.
Kindiki has previously served as Kenya’s Minister of the Interior in Ruto’s cabinet, and was considered a strong candidate for the vice presidential role in the 2022 elections. Following his recent appointment, the ministry of the interior will now be led by Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s Foreign Minister and current Prime Minister.
In a post on X, President Ruto emphasized the significance of Kindiki's appointment within the context of Kenya’s ambitious “Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.” Ruto highlighted Kindiki’s qualities as a “qualified, committed, and outstanding scholar” who would play a crucial role in promoting inclusivity, breaking down ethnic barriers, and driving unity within the nation. Ruto further described Kindiki as an exemplary public servant whose dedication and vision align with Kenya’s goals for social equity and economic reform.
Kindiki’s appointment comes at a time when Kenya grapples with economic challenges and rising discontent over taxation. In conjunction with his swearing-in, the government announced on Friday it would reintroduce several tax hikes previously proposed in a finance bill, which had sparked widespread protests earlier this year.
According to local reports, these measures include an increase in the value-added tax and new taxes on the digital sector. For many Kenyans, particularly freelancers working with ride-hailing and food delivery platforms, this tax marks their first experience with income taxation, media noted.