The Illustrious Academic Career of Kithure Kindiki

Tharaka Nithi Senator Kindiki Kithure (left) with Deputy President William Ruto (right) after attending a conference in 2019
Tharaka Nithi Senator Kindiki Kithure (left) with Deputy President William Ruto (right) after attending a conference in 2019
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In 2013, Tharaka Nithi Senator, Prof Kithure Kindiki, made headlines after his family's academic background was made public. It was revealed the Senator, together with his three brothers, were all professors.

At the time, he had become a common public figure having represented Deputy President William Ruto at the International Criminal Court (ICC) as the lead counsel in the 2007 post-election violence case.

Many credited his appointment to Ruto's legal team to his illustrious experience in international law.

An image of Kindiki
Tharaka-Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki speaking at a past event.
Daily Nation

Academic Journey

Upon completion of his studies at Lenana School and Tharaka B School, Kindiki joined  Moi University to study law. He graduated with a Bachelor of Law (LLB) in 1998. 

He then proceeded to take a Master's degree in law in International human rights law and democracy at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. He graduated from the institution in 2000.

Two years later, he attained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in international law from the South African University.

Employment 

Immediately after leaving campus as a fresh graduate, he was employed as a lecturer of law at Moi University, a position he held until 2003.

The Senator later joined the University of Nairobi in 2004 and rose through the ranks to become a senior lecturer of international law and the Head of the Pubic Law Department.

His reputable background in international law has also earned him the opportunity to work as a consultant for global institutions such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) among others.

Most notably as a lawyer, the Senator represented Deputy President William Ruto at the  International Criminal Court (ICC) and was among the DP's first defense counsels.

He later joined active politics when he vied for the Tharaka Nithi senatorial seat and won in the defunct The National Alliance (TNA) in 2013 and re-clinched the seat on a Jubilee Party ticket in 2017.

In recent years, he became an ardent defender of the DP and has played a key role in the formation of the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, and is the brains behind the power-sharing deal.

Family 

Despite being a prominent Kindiki family figure, the DP ally has kept his family out of public light.

Interestingly, his brother, Prof Isaiah Kindiki, is an ardent supporter of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and the Azimio One Kenya faction.

Isiah holds a PhD in soil science while Jonah Nyagah Kindiki, is a professor of International Education and Policy. On the other hand,  Prof Stephen Kithinji Kindiki, is a professor of Linguistics at Daystar University.

Senators Kithure Kindiki (Tharaka Nthi), Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi) and Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet)
From left: Senators Kithure Kindiki (Tharaka Nthi), Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi) and Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet) on August 4, 2020.
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