HE Deputy President Abraham Kithure Kindiki hasn’t won it yet!

In a surprising turn of events, HE Abraham Kithure Kindiki was sworn in as Kenya’s new Deputy President on Friday, following the impeachment of his predecessor, HE Rigathi Gachagua, through a controversial constitutional process. The ceremony, held at KICC Nairobi, was marked by a display of camaraderie between President William Ruto and Deputy President Kindiki, with the President expressing confidence in Kindiki’s understanding of his new role and even gave him the name Abra K.

The impeachment of HE Gachagua has been the subject of intense debate and speculation among political analysts and the public alike. The former Deputy President was accused of lacking loyalty and failing to champion government projects, a sentiment echoed by President Ruto during the swearing-in ceremony. In his address, the President lamented that he often found himself a “lone voice in the presidency,” highlighting the deep rift that had developed between the two leaders.

The situation has drawn parallels to the 2022 elections when President Ruto initially displayed a strong partnership with Gachagua, which has since devolved into what many politicians describe as an “ugly divorce.” The dramatic fallout was further underscored by a series of tweets from Hon. Dennis Itumbi, a prominent political commentator and ally of the President.

In his tweets, Itumbi claimed that Gachagua had attempted to wield undue influence over the President, asserting control over the critical Mt. Kenya voting bloc. Itumbi’s tweets, now going viral, painted a picture of a Deputy President who believed he had leverage over President Ruto. The tweets outlined several controversial demands purportedly made by Gachagua, including control over cabinet appointments, financial concessions, and political influence.

“DECEMBER 2023…

1. President William Ruto is a coward. I will demonstrate to you how much of a coward he is. I will drag him on the floor till he raises his hands in surrender
2. He will come and KNEEL before me and leave Shs. 6.5b in a Gunia pale kwa ile meza
3. I now own the MOUNTAIN votes, kuingia hii mrima bila mimi will be impossible
4. He must give me power. Bado, I am.not powerful, CSs and PSs should be queuing at the gate with deals to offer me. Sio mimi kuwatatuta.
5. MPs and Senators ni pesa tu, mnipangie constructors na hawa wanabiashara from January, we give them targets. Those MPs and Senators who do not play our game, tunatafuta competitors mapema waanze kuwasumbua ground.
6. Police wangu mbadilishe na muongeze..
7. But huyu President, huyu, akicheza i will vie against him in 2027. He either succumbs or he faces me at that ballot.
8. Next year, I will be appointing cabinet, yeye kazi yake ni ku-announce tu
9. Nimemshika mak****, nitamfinya polepole till he surrenders..

IT IS SO DECLASSIFIED!”

These incendiary remarks suggest that Gachagua viewed himself as a kingmaker within the Kenyan political landscape, leveraging his supposed control over Mt. Kenya votes to challenge President Ruto’s authority. The President’s remarks during the swearing-in ceremony of Deputy President Kindiki, combined with Itumbi’s explosive tweets, paint a picture of a deeply fractured relationship that ultimately led to Gachagua’s downfall.

Political observers are now cautioning Deputy President Kindiki against becoming complacent, given the volatile nature of Kenyan politics and the precedent set by his predecessor. Kindiki’s ability to navigate the treacherous waters of Kenyan politics will be crucial in maintaining the stability of President Ruto’s administration.

As the nation looks forward, the focus will be on whether Deputy President Kindiki can foster a more harmonious relationship with President Ruto and avoid the pitfalls that led to Gachagua’s impeachment. The political landscape remains tense, with many watching closely to see how these developments will influence the run-up to the 2027 elections.