I wasn’t shocked about missing DP job, Kindiki opens up
When President William Ruto named Rigathi Gachagua as his running mate during the campaigns ahead of the concluded election, many were disappointed. Among them was former Tharaka Nithi Senator Professor Kithure Kindiki.
He was among the people expected to be named as Dr. Ruto’s running mate and has come out to state that he was not shocked about missing the position.
When he appeared before the National Assembly committee vetting the nominees, Prof Kindiki was asked why he accepted the appointment position. Yet, he had stated that he was taking a break.
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DIANA NGILA | NAIROBI
In his response, the nominee said he made a U-turn after wide consultation with President Ruto’s United Democratic Party (UDA).
“There was no shock. Because in the first instance, there was no entitlement to anything. You can only get shocked if you are entitled to something. It was a privilege to be on that shortlist, and even a greater privilege to have been a runner up,” Prof Kindiki said.
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He continued: “I have since reviewed that position after persuasion by my party. My party persuaded me… that’s what made me change my mind. But there was no shock.”
He added that he has no problem submitting to authority and that DP Gachagua is his boss.
On May 15, Dr. Ruto named former Mathira MP Gachagua as his running mate, a move that came after the Kenya Kwanza Alliance had harmonised agenda of different parties. This negotiation took about 17 hours.
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A day later, Prof Kindiki issued a press address that indicated he was unhappy with the outcome.
He said he was taking a break from active politics and would support DP Gachagua.
“I have decided to take a break from active politics starting August 10. I have decided not to seek any appointed position whatsoever,” he added.
Nevertheless, when President Ruto named his Cabinet Secretaries of 22 members, Prof Kindiki was named as the Interior CS nominee. This position is perceived as influential in running the government’s internal affairs.
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