The making of a deputy: One year that recast Kenya's no 2

When Deputy President Kithure Kindiki took the oath of office on November 1, 2024, succeeding the impeached Rigathi Gachagua, few imagined how quickly he would reshape Kenya’s second-highest office.

Known for his calm demeanor, Kindiki popularised the phrase “fire si fire, noma si noma”, a reflection of his political philosophy. 

One year later, political pundits say he has redefined what it means to be second-in-command. Calm yet firm, loyal yet ambitious, diplomatic yet decisive.

His journey from Interior CS to Deputy President reflects not just political destiny but disciplined patience. His ability to juggle unity, loyalty, and ambition without courting controversy has made him one of the most intriguing political figures heading into 2027.

Kindiki emerged as a unifying but steady hand in a fractious political climate. As Interior CS, he was seen as one of President William Ruto’s most dependable Cabinet Secretaries, known for instilling order, discipline, and restraint, traits that now define his style as deputy president.

His ascent was also marked by irony. In 2022, he came close to being named Ruto’s running mate before the slot went to Gachagua. Two years later, he rose to the position through constitutional necessity after Gachagua’s impeachment on October 27, 2024.

At his swearing-in, Kindiki pledged: “I will do justice to all, without fear, favour, affection or ill-will.” The 53-year-old law professor has largely honoured that promise, navigating a political landscape often defined by confrontation with careful restraint.

‘Fire si fire’

“Fire si fire, noma si noma” has come to define his leadership. Supporters say it captures his ability to defuse tension even in the most charged political moments.

When criticism of the Ruto administration surged earlier this year, Kindiki responded: “Between one election and another, we have work to do,” he said in February. “Countries that have delivered development to their people understand that politics cannot be played forever.”

The contrast with his predecessor is stark. Where Gachagua was combative, Kindiki prefers dialogue. Where others see chaos, he sees an opening for reconciliation.

A national daily once described him as “President Ruto’s perfect deputy.” Loyal, measured, and non-confrontational. In public, he has been among Ruto’s most steadfast defenders.

When former President Uhuru Kenyatta accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of pursuing “untested and untried experiments,” Kindiki countered; “Those who want to criticise us should be truthful. The Linda Mama programme has not been scrapped, it has been expanded. Now, under the Social Health Authority, it protects mothers, the elderly, youth, and children. We call it Linda Jamii.”

Ruto has also lauded his deputy as “calm, composed, and supportive,” saying in May this year: “I’m very proud to have a deputy who understands government and supports our ministers to move Kenya forward.”

Criticism

The DP has also been at the forefront of youth and women empowerment programmes, supporting small-scale traders, Saccos, and informal businesses.

However, critics, including Gachagua, have dismissed him as “Mr. Moneybags,” alleging mismanagement. But he has brushed off the attacks with his signature restraint.

His most understated achievement may be his growing rapport with both government and opposition MPs. In a polarised Parliament, Kindiki has held forums across Kisumu, Mombasa, Garissa, and Nakuru. “Kenya cannot afford perpetual division,” he said in Nakuru. “We must learn to talk, to listen, and to find common ground even when we disagree.”

Analysts say Kindiki’s cautious approach is intentional. He has stayed clear of succession politics even as allies hint at future ambitions. By playing the loyal lieutenant, he is building trust within State House and across the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Political analyst Philip Amuyunzu says, “Kindiki has mastered the art of loyalty without subservience. He doesn’t compete with his boss for the spotlight, but he remains visible enough to shape the national conversation. That’s political maturity.”

Unlike his predecessor, Kindiki has avoided public feuds or policy contradictions with the President.

2027 Prospects

With the 2027 General Election approaching,  debate is intensifying over whether Ruto will retain him as running mate. Reports that the Orange Democratic Movement may seek the position have unsettled his Meru base, with analysts warning that Ruto may drop him to win ODM support.

On November 3, seven lawmakers from the region, led by Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri and Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi, warned that they would withdraw support for President Ruto if Kindiki is dropped as deputy in 2027.

“Our support for the President stands because of Kindiki. For years, we’ve supported others for top seats. Now that we finally have one of our own, we will not let anyone take that away,” Rindikiri declared.

The group, joined by MPs George Mutunga, Dan Kiili, Julius Taitumu, Shadrack Mwiti, Dorothy Muthoni, and Karambu Kailemia, vowed to defend Kindiki’s position. Mutunga added, “We cannot allow anyone to replace Kindiki. The President should not listen to empty noise driven by greed for power. Mt. Kenya East has the numbers and will defend its own.”

The chorus of support has fuelled speculation that Kindiki is being groomed as a potential political heir for 2032.

“We will support Ruto for a second term, but come 2032, our focus will be on Kindiki for the presidency,” said Muthoni. “It’s time Mt. Kenya East produces a Head of State.”

But the DP has, however, refused to be drawn into succession talk.