Saturday, November 1, marks one year since Kithure Kindiki assumed office as Deputy President, succeeding Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached by Members of Parliament in a historic motion.
As he marks the 365 days in office, the national conversation has shifted from whether Kindiki could match his predecessor’s assertive style to how he has shaped the office in his own way.
For decades, the position of Deputy President has often been associated with tensions between its occupant and the Head of State.
However, Kindiki’s tenure has been characterised by a quieter, more strategic approach that some observers say has brought a sense of stability to President William Ruto’s administration.
Unlike his predecessors, Kindiki has maintained a low profile, focusing on coordination and efficiency. His leadership style has drawn praise from political figures and analysts who view him as having redefined the role of the country’s second-highest office.
Still, his first year has not been without challenges, particularly in consolidating political support in the Mount Kenya region — a key base in national politics.
Supporters of the Deputy President downplay those challenges, pointing instead to what they describe as his positive contribution to government stability.
According to political insiders, Kindiki has adopted a cooperative rather than confrontational approach within the Executive, earning recognition as a unifying figure in Cabinet deliberations.
Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri commended the Deputy President’s conduct in office.
“He strictly understands his role in how to deal with the Executive and the Legislature. He is calm, listens, and is not quick to comment unnecessarily,” Kiunjuri said in a phone interview.
“The Deputy President has coordinated government affairs excellently. He has carried out his duty as expected and respected Members of Parliament,” the lawmaker added.
Governance expert and political analyst Javas Bigambo said Kindiki has presented himself as a “consummate deputy” to President Ruto.
“Over the past year, he has demonstrated remarkable emotional intelligence,” Bigambo said.
“Some doubted he could fit the role, but he has complemented the President effectively.”
During Kindiki’s swearing-in last year, President Ruto had remarked that he previously lacked adequate support to articulate the government’s agenda. One year later, the President has publicly praised his deputy’s contribution to governance.
At a recent wildlife compensation event in Meru National Park, Ruto commended Kindiki’s grasp of government operations, saying, “Professor knows he is not for the Meru people alone; he is for every Kenyan. I am proud to have a deputy who understands government and supports both the ministers and myself.”
The President repeated similar sentiments during a meeting with teachers at State House, noting the value of having an academically accomplished deputy. “If you want to succeed, look for a deputy who is more learned than you,” he said.
Former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi also lauded the Deputy President’s performance, saying, “The role of the Deputy President is to assist the President, and Prof Kindiki has performed well in this role. He has won the President many friends through his humble and practical approach to issues.”
Observers describe him as an effective organiser, pointing to his coordination of major national events and day-to-day government operations.
A case in point, they say, was his role in managing the funeral arrangements of opposition leader Raila Odinga, which required balancing national and political sensitivities.
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, who served on the funeral committee, noted that Kindiki “handled the task with maturity and emotional intelligence.”
Political observers also note that President Ruto has delegated more operational oversight to the Deputy President, including supervision of government projects.
One example cited is the stalled Kitui Stadium project, which resumed after Kindiki’s intervention.
Lawmakers attribute this efficiency to his accessibility. Ugenya MP David Ochieng said, “Kindiki has executed his role well and upheld the dignity of the office. Kenyans have something to learn from him on how the office should operate.”
MPs from across the country describe the Deputy President as approachable and willing to engage with them directly on development matters, often liaising with Cabinet Secretaries to resolve project challenges.
Analysts also highlight his effort to promote inclusion and national unity. Bigambo observed that, unlike some of his predecessors, Kindiki “has focused on cohesion and shared development rather than regional supremacy.”
His calm, understated style has drawn recognition from various quarters as less divisive and more inclusive. By engaging leaders from different communities, the Deputy President has sought to project a national rather than a regional image.
MP Kiunjuri added that under Kindiki’s leadership, “elected leaders have more freedom to associate, and regional divisions have eased.”
Murungi summed up the view shared by many in political circles: “Given the nature of our politics, he will be praised by some and criticised by others.
But when the history of this period is written, he may well be remembered as one of the most effective Deputy Presidents this country has had.”
