Kithure Kindiki was on Friday morning formally sworn in as the new deputy president, replacing Rigathi Gachagua who was impeached by the Senate last month.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Kithure Kindiki took two oaths, the oath of allegiance and the oath of office. The oath-taking process was conducted by Judiciary Registrar Winfred Mokaya and witnessed by Chief Justice Martha Koome.
"I, Kithure Kindiki, in full realisation of the high calling, I assume as the deputy president of the republic of Kenya, do swear, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the republic of Kenya, that I will obey, preserve, protect and defend this constitution of Kenya as by law established and all other laws of the republic, and that I will protect, and uphold the sovereignty, integrity and dignity of the people of Kenya, so Help me God," Kindiki affirmed the oath of allegiance.
"I Kithure Kindiki, do swear that I will always truly, and diligently serve the people of Kenya in the office of the deputy president of the Republic of Kenya. I will diligently discharge my duties and perform my functions in the said office to the best of my judgment. That I will at all times when so required, faithfully and truly give my advice to the president of the Republic of Kenya, that I will do justice to all without fear, favour, affection or ill-will and that I will not directly or indirectly reveal such matter as shall come to my knowledge in the discharge of my duties and committed to my secrecy, so Help me God," Kindiki affirmed the oath of office.
The oath of allegiance is also referred to as the solemn affirmation of allegiance of the deputy president. It signifies the commitment made by the leaders to assure the country of their willingness to protect the constitution and uphold Kenyans' sovereignty, integrity and dignity.
After subscribing to the two oaths, the newly appointed deputy president signed the certificates, paving the way for CJ Koome to declare Kindiki as the duly appointed second in command.
Kindiki was guided on signing the two oaths by Attorney General Dorcas Oduor. Kindiki signed three copies of the oaths, the first set of oaths would be retained by the deputy president as a solemn reminder of the commitment he has made to Kenyans.
The second set of oaths would be handed over to the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei for custody while the third set would be retained by the Judiciary.
Moments after signing the oaths, President William Ruto was invited on dias by the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary for the ceremonial handover of the Constitution of Kenya to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
While speaking after completing the oath-taking session, the new deputy president commended President Ruto for granting him the chance to serve in one of the highest offices in the country.
"Words fail me to explain how grateful I am today. I will say that I am grateful to Almighty God who orders the steps and affairs of every human being on earth. I am grateful to you sir for the honour you have given me to serve under you," Kindiki said.
His swearing-in followed hours after the High Court in Nairobi lifted the conservatory orders issued by a court in Kerugoya and Nairobi that barred his appointment.
